Delhi HC Questions Authorities Over Denial of Ayushman Bharat Benefits to Senior Citizen
New Delhi, June 2025 — The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Central Government, Delhi Government, and a prominent private hospital in Paschim Vihar after a senior citizen alleged he was charged for treatment despite holding a valid Ayushman Bharat Card.
The petitioner, Raminder Singh, a 73-year-old man, approached the court claiming that he was hospitalized on June 10 after suffering chest pain. Despite presenting his Ayushman Bharat Card—part of India’s flagship scheme offering free healthcare to economically vulnerable individuals—he was asked to deposit ₹25,000 for admission.
According to Singh’s plea, the hospital cited that the “relevant counter” managing Ayushman Bharat claims was closed, and the benefits could not be processed immediately. He was assured of a refund later. However, when his family followed up, they were allegedly told that the benefits would only apply if surgery was performed—an apparent misinterpretation of the scheme’s coverage.
The petition further alleges that upon requesting discharge, the hospital staff withheld medical documents, complicating Singh’s ability to pursue further action or treatment elsewhere.
Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta has sought a formal response from all respondents and scheduled the next hearing for July 8. The court has asked for clarifications regarding the hospital’s policy and the administration of Ayushman Bharat benefits.
This case underscores growing concerns over the misuse or misunderstanding of government health schemes in private medical institutions. If proven, such practices could seriously erode trust in public welfare initiatives and pose financial risks to senior citizens and economically weaker patients.
The court’s intervention is expected to bring greater accountability and may lead to clearer enforcement of Ayushman Bharat provisions in private hospitals across Delhi and beyond.
