Poor kids rarely get free treatment in private hospitals of Delhi: study

Quota for free treatment of economically weaker sections in private hospitals under-utilised; less than half of the children referred from government hospitals get treatment in these places
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Children from the economically weaker sections (EWS) in Delhi are unable to avail treatment at private hospitals despite the fact that these hospitals have reserved beds and out-patient department facilities for people from EWS category.

This is the finding of a survey conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The survey—Utilization of Free Medical Services by Children Belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in Private Hospitals in New Delhi, 2011-12: A Rapid Appraisal—indicates under-utilisation of the free beds available for EWS category in private hospitals in Delhi, though they were allotted land at subsidised rates.

The survey was conducted in 37 hospitals, which included 34 private hospitals, two government hospitals and Apollo Hospital which has special status and was given land virtually free on the basis of a memorandum of understanding with the Delhi Government. The two government hospitals surveyed were Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital (KSCH), a Central government hospital dedicated to children and Lok Nayak hospital, Delhi government's main general hospital. The appraisal was carried out from September, 2011 to November, 2012, for which the results were made public Friday last. The data was collected for financial year 2011-12.

NCPCR calls for review of PPP model in health
 
Reconsideration strategy of hospitals set up under public-private partnership (PPP) models, since utilization has been insignificant, delayed and fraught with legal complexities

Greater priority to strengthening public health systems

Track patients referred to private hospitals to ensure continuity of care and seamless transitions

Abolish user fees in government hospitals for EWS categories for consistency in law and policy, since the private hospitals are required to do the same

Expedite legal resolution of the case of Apollo hospital which has been inordinately delayed even after a clear high court ruling, placing it in the same category as other private hospitals with EWS beds
 
Apollo fails expectations

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