Delhi govt looks to streamline referrals for EWS patients

Delhi government today held a meeting with nodal officers of private and government hospitals and patient welfare officers to streamline the referral process for free treatment of patients in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.
A facility for online booking of free beds in identified private hospitals was operationalised today which can be used by the nodal officers of government hospitals, said Health Secretary SCL Das.
Online booking of free bed(s) will facilitate smooth transfer of critical and non-critical indoor EWS patients to private hospitals, it was learnt.
Das further said that 78 Patient Welfare Officers have been appointed at government hospitals for manning helpdesks, identifying EWS patients and facilitating their referral while also assisting the public in getting information on health services.

He said that a revised protocol for transfer of patients of EWS category was being prepared.
Also, the efforts of those private hospitals which provided more than the requisite quantum of free treatment to patients in the EWS category in the 2013-14 financial year was appreciated.