The Delhi government has increased the annual income limit for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) patients seeking treatment in private hospitals from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh. The decision is expected to bring relief to thousands of low-income families who were earlier excluded from free or subsidised treatment due to outdated income criteria.
According to official orders issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the revised income limit will apply to patients eligible for treatment under the EWS category in private hospitals that are allotted land by the government at concessional rates. These hospitals are legally required to provide free treatment to a fixed percentage of patients from economically weaker sections.
The change follows directions of the Delhi High Court, which had asked the government to review and update the income criteria in view of rising costs of living, healthcare inflation, and stagnant thresholds that no longer reflected economic realities. A special committee was formed to examine the matter and recommend changes. Based on the committee’s findings, the government approved the enhancement of the income limit.
Under the revised norms, families earning up to ₹5 lakh annually will now qualify as EWS patients for availing free treatment in identified private hospitals. Earlier, only families with an annual income of up to ₹2 lakh were considered eligible. The revision represents more than a twofold increase and aligns more closely with present-day income levels in the national capital.
Health officials said the move is expected to significantly widen access to healthcare for lower-middle-income households that often fall through the cracks. While they may earn slightly more than the earlier threshold, such families still struggle to afford private medical treatment, especially for serious illnesses that require hospitalisation, surgery, or long-term care.
The DGHS has directed all medical superintendents and nodal officers of empanelled private hospitals to implement the revised income criteria immediately. Hospitals have also been instructed to strictly adhere to the rules regarding identification and treatment of eligible EWS patients. Any violation of the order may invite strict action.
The order clearly states that hospitals must not deny treatment to eligible patients once they produce valid documents proving their income status. Authorities have warned that non-compliance will be taken seriously and may result in penalties or other regulatory action.
Private hospitals covered under this policy include those that were allotted land by the Delhi Development Authority or other government agencies at subsidised rates, subject to the condition that they provide free treatment to EWS patients. Over the years, enforcement of these obligations has been a contentious issue, with repeated complaints from patients and civil society groups about denial of services.
Public health experts have welcomed the decision, calling it a necessary correction. They argue that income limits fixed many years ago had become unrealistic, especially in a city like Delhi where expenses related to housing, education, and healthcare have risen sharply. Updating the threshold, they say, will ensure that welfare policies remain meaningful rather than merely symbolic.
However, some experts have also stressed the need for strict monitoring. They point out that increasing the income limit alone will not solve problems unless hospitals are regularly audited and patients are made aware of their rights. Transparency in patient selection and grievance redressal mechanisms will be crucial to ensure the benefits reach those who need them.
For patients and families, the decision could be life-changing. Many who were previously forced to borrow money, sell assets, or delay treatment may now be able to access care without financial ruin. The revised policy is likely to reduce the burden on government hospitals as well, as more patients become eligible for treatment in private facilities.
With the new income limit now in force, the Delhi government has signalled a renewed commitment to strengthening access to healthcare for economically vulnerable sections. The effectiveness of the decision will depend on its implementation on the ground, but for now, it marks a significant step towards more inclusive healthcare in the capital.
