Delhi HC Challenges ILBS Policy on EWS Healthcare Access

The Delhi High Court has engaged with the Delhi government over a plea contesting the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences' (ILBS) decision to limit free treatment access for economically weaker sections (EWS). The plea claims this policy contravenes constitutional rights by disproportionately favoring affluent patients.

The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Delhi government on a plea challenging the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) policy that restricts free treatment to only a fraction of its beds and cases for economically weaker sections (EWS).

Advocate Satyakam, representing the petitioning NGO Social Justice, argued that the ILBS policy, which converts it into a predominantly paid institution, violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution by denying needy patients affordable healthcare.

The petition contends that government-funded hospitals should ensure equitable access and urges the court to either make ILBS increase its free treatment quota substantially or provide complete free treatment to the general public.

(With inputs from agencies.)