New Delhi, May 6 (PTI) The Delhi government has revised the implementation guidelines under the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme to streamline referrals and improve transparency, while prioritising timely medical treatment access for economically weaker patients, officials said on Wednesday.
Under the revised directives issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), authorities have been asked to first assess the availability of free Economically Weaker Section (EWS) beds in identified private hospitals before referring patients for planned surgeries or treatment under the scheme.
The government has also directed hospitals to prioritise the use of imaging facilities available in government-run institutions. Referrals for imaging services under the Delhi Arogya Kosh will now be allowed only if the required facility is unavailable in government hospitals or cannot be provided within the prescribed three-day timeframe, the officials said.
Another key change mandates verification of existing medical coverage under schemes such as the Delhi Government Employees Health Scheme (DGEHS), Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or any other insurance cover before processing referrals under DAK.
According to the revised framework, patients will be required to submit a self-declaration undertaking regarding their existing medical coverage to avoid duplication of benefits and ensure better coordination among healthcare schemes.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the new directives would help ensure healthcare resources are utilised in an efficient and transparent manner while maintaining uninterrupted access to treatment for deserving patients.
“The Delhi government is committed to building a more accountable, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. By strengthening referral protocols and improving transparency, we are taking another important step towards better governance in healthcare delivery,” Singh said in a statement.
He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government remains focused on making affordable and accessible healthcare available to all citizens of the national capital.
The health department has directed all concerned authorities and hospitals to strictly comply with the revised implementation framework and warned that non-compliance would be viewed seriously. PTI SGV APL APL
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