Free Treatment for Poor is Mandatory: High Court

The Telangana High Court has made it clear that hospitals must strictly follow government regulations when it comes to providing free treatment to the poor. It emphasized that private hospitals which have received government land at subsidized rates cannot evade their social responsibility, and no exceptions will be entertained. In this regard, the court issued crucial interim orders to Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad, directing it to immediately begin treatment for breast cancer patient Bale Bhagyamma under the 25 percent free inpatient quota. The court warned that any delay in treatment would lead to serious consequences.

According to the case details, Bale Bhagyamma, a resident of Malyala mandal in Jagtial district, is suffering from breast cancer and approached the hospital for treatment. However, the hospital reportedly informed her that her treatment did not fall under the Aarogyasri scheme and that she would have to bear the expenses. Unable to afford the costs, she filed a petition in the High Court. Expressing strong displeasure, the bench stated that private trust hospitals receiving government subsidies must provide free treatment to the poor as part of their social responsibility. The court noted that the hospital had acquired around 7.35 acres of government land at subsidized rates and ordered immediate admission, surgery, and necessary treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy without any delay.