Delhi govt raises EWS med treatment income cap to ₹5 lakh

Delhi government raises EWS income limit for hospital treatment from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, providing significant relief for many, per DGHS order.

Published on: Jan 3, 2026, 03:32:08 IST

By Ridhima Gupta

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New Delhi

The decision followed the directions of the Delhi High Court. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Delhi government has revised the income limit criteria for patients of economically weaker sections (EWS) from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, which will provide major relief to scores of people in the Capital, according to an order issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Friday.

According to the order, the decision followed the directions of the Delhi High Court and was approved by a special committee constituted to deal with the matter.

“It has been decided by the special committee, in compliance with the orders of the High Court dated 02.09.2025 and 31.10.2025 in WP (C) No. 8548/2017 and CM Applications No. 985/2024 and 5107/2024, that the income criterion for eligible patients belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for availing treatment from identified Private Hospitals has been revised,” the DGHS said in its order, a copy of which was accessed by HT.

As per the revised norms, “the income limit has been enhanced from Rs. 2,20,000 (Rupees Two Lakh Twenty Thousand only) to ₹5,00,000 (Rupees Five Lakh only) per annum,” the order stated.

The revised criterion will now be applicable to eligible EWS patients availing of treatment at private hospitals, the order said.

“The revised income criterion of Rs. 5,00,000/- per annum shall be followed henceforth,” read the order.

The DGHS has directed hospitals to implement the changes immediately. “All Medical Superintendents and Nodal Officers of the identified private hospitals are hereby directed to strictly adhere to the instructions already conveyed concerning the treatment of eligible EWS patients,” the order said, adding that the revised income criterion “shall be followed henceforth”.

Further, the order issued by DGHS director general Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, noted that strict action will be taken if the order is not complied with. “All concerned are requested to ensure compliance with the above directions and non-compliance of the above order shall be viewed seriously”.

Copies of the directive have been forwarded to senior officials of the health and family welfare department, medical directors and superintendents of Delhi government hospitals, and liaison officers of identified private hospitals for information and necessary action.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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