On Thursday, the Delhi government gave a stern warning, to private hospitals in the city against denying treatment to non COVID-19 patients. The health department has issued an order stating that disobeying of the instructions will invite disciplinary actions, which includes cancellation of license.

The order came amidst reports that few private hospitals are denying critical services like dialysis, blood transfusion and chemotherapy on account of contracting coronavirus.

The order stated that it has come to notice that few private hospitals are reluctant in providing critical services such as dialysis, blood transfusion, chemotherapy and official deliveries to their regular patients on account of fear of contracting COVID-19 and they are also keeping their hospitals/clinics closed. It has also noticed that at many hospitals/clinics, they are insisting on a COVID-19 test before providing any services.

The order further stated that all the hospitals/clinics, especially in private sectors, are hereby instructed to remain functional and make sure that anyone who needs any essential critical services, including dialysis, blood transfusion, chemotherapy and official deliveries, is not been denied such service.

The order said that non-compliance will be observed seriously and disciplinary action as per provisions of law, which also includes cancellation of the registration of the defaulter hospital or nursing home, would be initiated without any further notice.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had also issued an order on 15th April stating that all healthcare services should remain functional during the lockdown period.

On Thursday, the number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi had increased to 3,515, with three new deaths being reported.

Source: ET Healthworld