Put up info on beds for weaker sections: CIC

Ashutosh Shukla; Mumbai; DNA; Saturday, Sep 25, 2010;

A recent order by the Central Information Commissioner (CIC) might bring some relief to people from the economically weaker sections of society, as well as to activists working for such causes.

In an order dated September 17, central information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi ordered the directorate of health services, government of Delhi, to put up details of the beneficiaries from the economically weaker section (EWS) of society, who are supposed to get beds in private hospitals at concessional rates.

The order was in response to an RTI query made by a Delhi-based activist, who was refused information by the Mata Channan Devi Hospital, which is a private hospital.

The rule for the hospital is that 10 per cent of the beds should be slotted for people from EWS, and they should be treated for free.

Many such arrangements exist in hospitals in the city.

In his order, the commissioner stated that details like the name of patient, father’s or husband’s name, address and bed number should be compiled so that people can keep a check on the hospital’s working.

The order also stated that this list should be put up in compliance with section 4 (voluntary disclosure) of the RTI Act and information uploaded on the hospital’s website should be updated regularly.

“It will at least help people check the malpractice and if people of better section are exploiting it in any way, they will find it very embarrassing if their names are put up on the list,” said Gandhi.