New Delhi, Jun 9 (IANS): A PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday seeking direction to the Delhi government to ensure that private hospitals which have been dedicated for COVID-19 treatment do not charge exorbitant rates from patients.

The plea filed by social activist and advocate Amit Sahni which is likely to come up for hearing later this week also prayed for directions to the government to ensure that those who require immediate medical attention/intensive care, are not denied admission due to paucity of funds so that loss of lives could be minimised.

"The respondents (Delhi government) are under obligation to ensure proper health services to the citizens and that all patients get treated either in government hospitals without any cost or at private hospitals at a reasonable charge," the plea said.

The plea further stated that most of the citizens are suffering financial crisis and there is huge recession in the economy worldwide, therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the respondent to play a proactive role and ensure that no hospital takes advantage of the state of medical emergency.

"The citizens, who are tax payers and do not come under EWS category, cannot be left to die at the mercy of the private hospitals just because they are unable to afford huge payments due to financial constraints due to loss of job, deduction of salary, loss of business etc," the plea said.

It also submitted that the government must ensure that critically ill patients must be provided treatment irrespective of their capacity to pay for the same.

"...the government is duty bound and accountable towards all its citizens and such responsibilities of the respondents are not limited to citizens belonging to Economically Weaker Section but to all citizens," the plea said.