Delhi government appoints nodal officer for Apollo hospital

The city Government today appointed a nodal officer for Apollo hospital to ensure that it provides free treatment to economically weaker sections of the society as directed by the Delhi High Court.
 
Minister of Health and Family Welfare Kiran Walia said Dr Ashok Rana will oversee treatment of poor patients at the hospital and offer them all required help.

The move came just weeks after Delhi High Court directed Apollo hospital to reserve at least 200 beds for free treatment to poor patients and imposed a fine of Rs two lakh on it for not complying with the land lease agreement.

Over 20 hospitals had taken land from the government at subsidised rates promising that it will offer free treatment to the poor section of the society. However several hospitals have been found wanting in this regard.
 
Walia said the decision to appoint the nodal officer was taken in pursuance of the orders of Delhi High Court. She said Rana will ensure free treatment to the poor and needy people in the hospital.
 
She said other private hospitals, which were given land at concessional rates, are already extending medical treatment to poor patients.

Walia said top government officials are authorised to refer patients to private hospitals for free treatment.
 
She said stringent action will be taken against the hospitals which do not provide free treatment to poor patients.