Apollo Hospitals, once started for the poor, has made billions by treating the rich

The High Court of Delhi issued notice in a  PIL  against the failure on the part of  Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD)  in appointing Board of Directors in Apollo Hospital. The petitioner, Dr. Anil mittal, arguesd that due to vacancy of post from the past 3 years by the government, the Hospital is failing to serve the purpose to treat the poor, which were the basic grounds on which it was built.

Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd. Popularly known as Apollo Hospital was initially formed under a Joint Venture Agreement in 199, according to which the Indraprastha  Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd. Holds 25% share capital and 26% is held by the government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The agreement stated that the hospital would run on “No profit- No loss” motto and also directed it to provide 1/3^rd of beds for fee with free facilities to 40% of the outdoor patients. However, IMC, over the years have failed to treat poor patients, the motto on which it was started. However it has accomplished a milestone in expanding their private enterprise making it a $2 Billion worth.

Throughout their journey criticism were made regarding their failure to treat the poor. In 2009, a petition filed by All India Law Association, prayed for a writ by the Court against the hospitals failure. The Court while examining the reports by committees directed the hospital to provide 1/3^rd of the total beds for the poor.

A committee constituted on 12^th July, 2002 found out that the area made available to treat poor was only 7.6% of the total area. The space meant for free patients were non air-conditioned whereas all areas for paid patients were fully air conditioned. Furthermore only 117 beds out of the total 634 were allocated for the treatment of the poor.

Another continuing report submitted by the Committee in 2009 found that no improvements were made in the infrastructure and facilities available for the poor patients except for the air conditioner that was made functional. It further stated that only 2.46% of the sample patient size that the hospital treated were poor which were much smaller that the agreed ration of 1/3^rd indoor patients as stated in the agreement.

The PIL further stated, “ the position have been vacant for the past three years and GNCD have failed to do abide to their duties even after several notices sent by the State Minister Of Health, Satyendar Jain.”

 —India Legal Bureau