Supreme Court Warns Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Over Free Treatment Violations

The Supreme Court has criticized Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for failing to provide free treatment to the poor, as stipulated by its lease agreement. The court warned that the hospital could be taken over by AIIMS if violations continue. The court also asked for records to verify compliance.

The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital on Tuesday over its failure to honor the lease agreement requiring it to provide free treatment to poor patients. Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh said the hospital could face takeover by AIIMS if it continued to flout the terms.

The lease agreement mandated that the hospital provide free medical facilities to one-third of its indoor patients and 40 percent of outdoor patients. The court observed a shift towards commercialization, deviating from the original non-profit purpose. The court demanded records on treatment provided free to poor patients in the past five years to assess compliance.

The plea, originally filed by the All India Lawyers' Union, questioned the renewal of the hospital's 30-year land lease due to expire in 2023. The court requested clarity on whether the lease had been extended. The case aims to ensure the hospital meets its obligations to serve underprivileged patients, as initially intended.

(With inputs from agencies.)