HC seeks response on Aadhaar-linked treatment allegations at OGH

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Monday directed the state govt and the superintendent of Osmania General Hospital (OGH) to clarify their stance regarding allegations that hospital staff are refusing medical treatment to patients who fail to provide their Aadhaar cards.
A division bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yadav, was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Srinivas Byreddy. The petition raised concerns about the denial of treatment at OGH due to patients' inability to present their Aadhaar cards.
Byreddy's counsel, Akash Baglekar, argued that OGH was engaging in discriminatory practices, citing media reports to substantiate the claim. One such report highlighted the plight of a poor woman named Pramila, who allegedly faced difficulties because she lacked an Aadhaar card.
In response, the state counsel stated that Pramila had received treatment at OGH and was still under care at the hospital. They denied any claims of insisting on Aadhaar cards, clarifying that hospital staff only recorded the names and addresses of patients and did not deny medical aid to anyone without identity proof.
The bench has instructed both the state and the OGH superintendent to submit their replies within two days and scheduled the case for further hearing on Friday.