DCW pulls up private hospital over ‘ill-treatment’, ‘discrimination’ of EWS patients

The Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) has accused a private hospital of mistreating and showing bias towards patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result of these allegations, health authorities conducted an inspection of the hospital.

Subsequently, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) instructed the hospital to cease the practice of segregating economically weaker section (EWS) patients from those who pay, and to provide an equal waiting area for both groups. The DGHS also mandated that facilities for treating EWS patients must be on par with those for paying patients.

The complaint against the hospital was brought forward by a former member of the DCW, Juhi Khan, who claimed that the hospital was discriminating against EWS patients. In response, the DCW took action to address the issue and stated that the hospital in question, Madhukar Rainbow Hospital in Malviya Nagar, had engaged in this discriminatory behavior.

The hospital confirmed that officials from the DGHS visited on July 28 and that they fully cooperated during the visit.

The DCW alleged that the hospital was segregating and categorizing EWS patients, placing them in an inadequate basement area without proper seating and air conditioning. It was also claimed that EWS patients were being attended to by different doctors instead of the regular staff.

In response to the issues raised during the inspection, the DGHS instructed the hospital to make necessary corrections. This included displaying an EWS board at the entrance and exit gates, as well as in the reception area, containing the names of the Monitoring Committee. Dr. Nikhil Mishra, Regional Medical Director of the hospital, confirmed that they had cooperated with the DGHS and implemented their recommendations.

The DCW demanded an action taken report from the DGHS, and after their notice, a surprise inspection revealed various deficiencies at the hospital. The waiting area and counter for EWS patients were found to lack basic amenities and proper signage. The EWS patient register also lacked complete details.

In conclusion, the DCW raised concerns about the discriminatory treatment of EWS patients at a private hospital, leading to an inspection by health authorities. The hospital was directed to rectify the situation and improve conditions for EWS patients in accordance with the recommendations of the DGHS.

(With PTI inputs)