Three-judge bench led by CJI says there are private hospitals that have been given land either free of cost or at nominal rates, so they should treat coronavirus-infected patients for free
As Covid-19 cases crossed 150,000, claiming more than 4,300 lives in the country, the Supreme Court has asked the government to identify private hospitals which can treat Covid-19 patients for free or at a minimum cost. The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, hearing the matter via video-conferencing, observed that there are private hospitals which have been given land either free or at nominal rates and they should treat coronavirus infected patients for free. “These charitable hospitals should treat patients for free,” the bench said and posted the matter for hearing after one week.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said since it was a policy issue, the government would need to take a decision on the matter. Mehta said he would file a response. The bench was hearing an application filed in a plea that sought a direction for regulating the cost of Covid treatment in private hospitals across the country.
Private hospitals, however, are concerned that the move would put further strain on their resources, arguing that it may not be a sustainable move. “If the government can take care of our costs, we are happy to treat patients for free…Hospitals are already under stress and they are not making money in Covid… We have to pay salaries, buy protective equipment… At this rate, it will be hard for the healthcare sector to survive,” said Alok Roy, chair-Ficci Health Services Committee and chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals…
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