The Supreme Court of India has instructed the formulation of guidelines to ensure that private hospitals in Delhi, which received land at subsidized rates, provide free treatment to economically weaker sections (EWS) of society. The court noted that a significant number of the 51 hospitals under scrutiny had failed to comply with its 2018 judgment, which mandated that they allocate 25% of outpatient department (OPD) services and 10% of beds for EWS patients. Following contempt notices issued earlier this year, the court found that 41 hospitals were in default, with only 2 meeting compliance standards. The Supreme Court has called for a meeting involving hospital representatives and government officials to draft commonly accepted guidelines, emphasizing the need for better accessibility and information dissemination to EWS patients. The court warned that continuous non-compliance could lead to serious repercussions, including potential penalties related to land allotments. The hospitals have acknowledged the recommendations and expressed willingness to collaborate on the guidelines.