Free surgery at private hospitals for patients under Delhi govt scheme

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that Delhi residents will not have to wait long hours to undergo life-saving surgeries in government hospitals, as they will be able to get them done for free in private ones.

Launching the 'Free surgery scheme' at Talkatora Stadium here, Kejriwal said if a patient does not get a date for surgery at a government hospital within one month, the hospital would refer him to private hospitals and the government would pay all the expenses.

"We want to ensure that people, irrespective of their economic status, get the best health and education facilities. This is a step in that direction," he said.

The Delhi government has identified 48 private hospitals in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad and Noida under the scheme, where any patient – referred by any of the 24 government hospitals – can avail free treatment.

As many as 52 such life-saving surgeries have been specified by the government, including bypass, kidney, prostate, thyroid, etc.

There will not be a need to give proof of income, but the patient will need to provide proof that he/she is a resident of Delhi. Moreover, patients can choose any private hospital from the list they are comfortable with.

The AAP-led Delhi government also announced an 'Accident victim scheme', under which those affected by road accidents, fire and acid attacks will be provided free medical treatment in Delhi's private hospitals.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Satyendar Jain. He, however, did not divulge further details.

Kejriwal added that his government was the first state government to allot one fourth of its budget to education and 14-18 per cent to health. He called the health scheme a "one-of-its-kind".

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Manish Sisodia was also present at the launch of the scheme and said his ministry will ensure that there is no dearth of funds for the scheme.

Kejriwal said this was the third in a series of initiatives taken by his government to improve health facilities, after ensuring free medicines in all government hospitals and allowing free medical tests at private diagnostic centres.

"Health services are so expensive today that if anyone suffers from a serious ailment, the biggest worry for the family is not the health of the patient, but where would the money come from," said the Aam Aadmi Party leader.

"But now, there is no need to worry, as the Delhi government will ensure that the patient gets the best treatment free of cost," he added.