Free Medical Treatment for Poor Mandatory - High Court

The Telangana High Court has ruled that private hospitals receiving government subsidies must provide free medical treatment to poor patients. The court delivered the verdict while hearing a petition filed by a patient against Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital. The hospital staff had informed a breast cancer patient that her treatment was not covered under the Aarogyasri scheme and that she would have to bear the entire cost.

The High Court observed that the Nandamuri Basavatarakam Ramarao Memorial Cancer Foundation was allotted around 7.35 acres of government land in Banjara Hills at a subsidized rate. The court directed the hospital to immediately admit the petitioner and provide all necessary treatment. It also warned that any delay in treatment could lead to serious consequences for the hospital.