- Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi, has claimed that its govt is the highest spender on public health in the country, spending four times more than other states; and has schemes to assist patients from economically weaker section (EWS),
- It has headed formulating the drug policy and keeps updating the Essential Medicine List (drugs that satisfy health care needs of most patients and should be ever-available at affordable prices) taking the tally to 406.
- Schemes include:
- Delhi Arogya Kosh – started in 2011, financial assistance up to Rs.5 lakh is provided to bona fide residents of over 3yrs of Delhi, for treatment in govt hospitals and certain specific diseases in private hospitals. Rs.7.15 crore has already been expended under so far, and Rs.4.9 crore disbursed in 2013-14.
- Delhi Arogya Nidhi – Rs.10.5 lakh was disbursed as assistance to 13 BPL beneficiaries in 2013-14 in govt hospitals.
- Delhi Kalyan Samiti -started in 1995
- L-G/ Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
- Following a 2007 High Court order, and 2011 Supreme Court order, 45 private hospitals have been instructed to provide 10% In Patient Dept (IPD) and 25% Out Patient Dept (OPD) facilities to EWS patients free of any charges. In 2013, around 11 lakh EWS patients availed free treatment in these hospitals. Any citizen whose family monthly income is less than minimum wages of an unskilled worker (Rs. 8,086 per month) is eligible for free treatment at these hospitals.
Exams Perspective:
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Delhi Arogya Kosh
- Essential Medicine List
- Delhi Arogya Nidhi