Free treatment for accident, fire, acid attack victims in all hospitals

New Delhi: Terming it as a “step in the right direction”, lieutenant-governor (L-G) Anil Baijal on Friday approved the Delhi government’s decision to provide free treatment for medico-legal victims of road accidents, acid attack, and burn injuries.

The L-G has also approved the government’s proposal of outsourcing diagnostic (non-radiological) services to provide free laboratory services at mohalla clinics, polyclinics, and mobile health clinics with the clause that the government should evolve a mechanism to ensure that unnecessary tests are not prescribed in collusion with private medical centres.

The L-G has also asked the government to ensure the quality of tests and follow proper guidelines to empanel private institutions to conduct these tests. He has also called for a proper mechanism to be put in place for appropriate penalties against institutions in case of malpractices.

The L-G has also given his concurrence with the amendments to the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme to provide financial assistance for specified high-end diagnostic (radiological) tests and surgeries.

While giving his nod, the L-G has noted that the focus of these schemes appeared to be on outsourcing and that there is no mention in the proposal about any action plan to strengthen the diagnostic infrastructure in the government institutions.

“The L-G stressed that for a robust healthcare system, the government institutions also need to be strengthened as the healthcare system cannot be left entirely in the hands of the private sector,” the statement added.

The L-G observed that complete transparency and relevant procedures/guidelines should be followed strictly while empanelling the private hospitals.

The L-G has also advised the administrative department to develop a system of online Aadhaar-based biometric tracking of patients to ensure proper follow-up and prevent any malpractices, given the financial implications.