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High Court Fines Fund Lifesaving Care for Poor Patients at PGIMER

The Punjab and Haryana High Court is directing costs and penalties from defaulting parties into PGIMER's Poor Patient Welfare Fund, leading to a 179% increase in contributions. This judicial support provides a crucial financial lifeline for vulnerable patients not covered by government schemes or insurance. The fund enables access to essential medicines, diagnostics, and emergency interventions in critical specialties. PGIMER's Director has commended the court's socially meaningful approach, which translates legal orders into life-saving support.

Key Points: Court Penalties Boost PGIMER's Poor Patient Fund by 179%

  • Court fines fuel 179% fund growth
  • Supports critical care in oncology, cardiology
  • Aids uninsured, economically vulnerable patients
  • Ensures treatment not withheld due to cost
2 min read

High Court activism hopes for distress in PGI Chandigarh ​

Punjab & Haryana High Court directs fines to PGIMER's welfare fund, increasing contributions 179% to provide critical care for vulnerable patients.

"Each judicial order now translates into treatment, relief, and renewed hope for a family in distress. - Prof Vivek Lal"

Chandigarh, Feb 24

In a powerful example of justice delivered beyond courtrooms, costs and penalties imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on defaulting parties are bringing renewed hope to some of the most vulnerable patients at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. ​

In the past two years, contributions to the Poor Patient Welfare Fund (PPWF) through court-directed deposits have increased by 179 per cent, rising from Rs 89.50 lakh in 2023-24 to Rs 2.49 crore in 2024-25, the PGIMER said. ​

This fiscal year has recorded Rs 2.06 crore in just 10 months, underscoring the sustained and transformative impact of judicial support. PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal expressed appreciation for the judiciary's humanitarian vision. ​

"We are sincerely grateful to the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court for adopting a socially meaningful approach by directing costs imposed on defaulting parties towards life-saving support for the underprivileged. Each judicial order now translates into treatment, relief, and renewed hope for a family in distress," he said. ​

Prof Lal further said that the High Court's support has not been limited to recent years alone. ​

During the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, judicial interventions and directives played a vital role in strengthening patient care systems and ensuring responsiveness amid an unprecedented public health crisis.

​Commending the initiative, the Director added, "The significant surge in contributions has enhanced PGIMER's capacity to respond swiftly to critical cases across specialties such as oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, nephrology, and trauma care, areas where timely financial assistance often makes the difference between deterioration and recovery." ​

For many families arriving at PGIMER in moments of medical and financial distress, the Poor Patient Welfare Fund serves as a crucial lifeline. ​

It supports economically vulnerable patients not covered under government health schemes or insurance, enabling access to essential medicines, high-end diagnostics, surgical consumables, implants, and emergency interventions, ensuring that treatment is never withheld due to inability to pay. ​

The fund is administered through a structured and transparent mechanism to ensure that assistance reaches genuinely deserving beneficiaries promptly and responsibly.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartwarming news. My neighbour's child got treatment at PGI last year and the costs were crippling. Knowing there is a fund like this gives so much hope to ordinary families. The transparency in administration is crucial though – hope it's maintained.
R
Rohit P
A 179% increase is phenomenal! It shows the system can work when there is will. But let's not forget, this is a temporary fix. The real solution is strengthening Ayushman Bharat and public health infrastructure so fewer people need such emergency funds.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has volunteered at hospital help desks, I've seen the desperation firsthand. This fund is a literal lifesaver. The focus on oncology and trauma care is especially important. Well done to all involved.
V
Vikram M
This is positive, but I have a respectful criticism. The article praises the court, but what about the defaulting parties? Why are there so many defaulters that penalties can generate crores? Shouldn't the focus also be on preventing such defaults in the first place?
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Nisha Z
PGIMER is a beacon of hope for North India. Glad to see the judiciary stepping in. During COVID, it was a nightmare. If this fund helped even a bit back then, it's a huge service. More awareness needs to be spread so eligible patients know to apply.

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