CHARITABLE DISTRUST
The government gives benefits to certain private bodies like hospitals, charitable institutions, research organisations and NGOs. These benefits come in the form of very cheap land and income tax exemptions, among others. This is done in the hope that the work of these organisations will benefit the public. Does this actually happen or are these organisations taking the government for a ride? Those that do this are giving the organisations that carry out good work a bad name.
Recently, Delhi's leading Apollo hospital was taken to court over the alleged non-fulfilment of one such condition. Apollo is among the 47 hospitals in Delhi that have been allotted land for a nominal sum of money or even free. This has been done on the understanding that one-third of the out-door patients will receive free treatment and so will 40 per cent of the emergency cases.
On June 2,1998, minister of state for health and family welfare, Dalit Ezhilimalai, said in the Lok Sabha that not even one person had availed himself of this benefit. Ram Vir Singh Biduri, a member of the legislative assembly (MLA), stated in the Delhi assembly that none of the 47 hospitals was honouring its commitment.
Apollo hospital is supposed to provide free treatment, including diagnostic and medical facilities to 40 per cent of its patients, says Delhi health minister. Harsh Vardhan. This is in return for the land provided free of cost by Delhi government.
A case has been filed by All India Lawyers Union, urging the government to ensure free treatment to the poor in Apollo hospital. This is pending before the Delhi High Court. The hospital management has protested that it cannot give free treatment as these services are costly and patients have to pay for them even in government hospitals.
However, since June 1998, the hospital says it has begun to provide the stipulated free treatment for the poor.