Important Cases: 1. Revised hospital charges of AIIMS draw Commission's attention

The Commission has called for the comments from the Secretary, Health and Family Welfare and Director, AIIMS, New Delhi on the recent levying of charges for many tests and medical investigations that were free so far and for introducing "revised hospital charges" in other cases. Taking suo-motu cognizance based on reports in the media, the Commission observed that a substantive increase in the hospital charges in relation to various investigations and various procedures including surgical/operative procedures and aids and appliances in AIIMS, if true, would make the quality health services inaccessible to a large segment of society, in particular, marginalized and vulnerable sections and even the "lower middle class" of the society. Such steps would amount to indirect denial of quality health services to the patients, not financially well off.
The Commission has asked the concerned officials to inform it about the annual budget allocation to the AIIMS and how much finance AIIMS is expecting to generate by the increase in the charges reported in the newspaper. The Commission is also to be informed if there is any scheme for providing free medical treatment to a patient who cannot afford to pay the charges and if so, the criteria for exemption from charges.