EWS income limit increased to ₹5 lakh in Delhi, free treatment will be available in private hospitals

Delhi government has proposed major changes in health benefits.

### Decision to increase the income limit of low income group

Plans are being made to increase the income limit of low income group (EWS) for treatment in private hospitals of the capital from the current approximately ₹ 2.25 lakh to ₹ 5,00,000 (five lakh). This information was presented in the Delhi High Court, where the advocate told that this topic has been discussed in the SK Sarin Committee meeting and necessary documents have been prepared.

### Improving access to health facilities

This proposal to increase the income limit aims to benefit those who earn up to ₹5 lakh annually. Such citizens will now be eligible for free treatment services as prescribed by the government in both private and government hospitals. This step is an important step towards making health services more inclusive.

### Status of current health schemes

Poor and needy families in Delhi get cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh through Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Along with this, government schemes like “Delhi Arogya Kosh” are also implemented, which provide financial assistance to low income group residents. However, without changes to the existing income limits, many people would have lost benefits.

### Impact of new changes

With the new proposed change, middle-low income citizens will also be able to come under the purview of government free treatment schemes. Also, individuals will have to spend less out of pocket to get treatment in expensive private hospitals. This step has been taken when the demand for health services has increased in Delhi and many complaints related to the cost of treatment are coming to the fore.

### Further proceedings

The Delhi High Court has directed the government to present the pre-approval progress report on this proposal in the court on January 7, 2026. Only after this the final decision will be taken and the order will come into effect.