Delay in EWS surgery: HC seeks reply

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Friday sought a reply from AIIMs on the petition of a brain tumour patient seeking speedy and free medical treatment.
It also suggested that AIIMS can utilise beds reserved for poor people in private hospitals by referring patients to them so that they do not have to wait long for treatment. The private hospitals were given land on a condition to reserve 10% in-patient and 25% out-patient facility for economically weaker section (EWS), the court said.
The court was hearing the petition of Meera Devi who needed urgent brain surgery but was given a date of August 2018 by the medical institute.
HC gave the premier hospital time till August 24 to respond and also issued notices to Centre and the Delhi government on the plea by 45-year-old patient. In her petition Devi stated that she has been in a critical need of a surgery and accused AIIMS of delaying medical help as she can’t opt for a private ward.
“The patient is a 45 years old woman and belongs to a poor family. Her husband is in a private job and earns Rs. 9000 per month while the family has no other source of income. She belongs to a below poverty line category,” the petition said, urging the court to come to Meera Devi’s rescue.