The AIIMS hospital denied treatment to a rickshaw puller’s son suffering from a rare disease, because it was too costly. Senior counsel AS Chandhiok, appearing for the Delhi High Court Bar Association, said lawyers had raised Rs 7.8 lakh for the treatment, with the Delhi high court ordering AIIMS to continue treating the boy until the final judgment in the case.

Justice Manmohan said: “A patient cannot be denied treatment due to financial constraint and the State is bound to find a source to generate funds for the poor patients… [The Delhi government has] to find a way to provide medical aid to poor patients. Funds have to be created. There cannot be a vacuum.” [DNA]