In line with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Centre has asked all the states to issue instructions to government-run and private hospitals to provide free treatment to acid attack victims, health minister JP Nadda said in the Lok Sabha on Friday. 309 acid attack incidents from across the country were reported in 2014. The states also have to ensure that along with free medical treatment, there is availability of medicines, bed and food for the victims. Costly corrective surgeries also have to be included in the free treatment. This order has been circulated to all states and UTs.

Nadda, however, dismissed reports of any refusal of treatment to such victims by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) as well as the other three central government hospitals in the national capital – – Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College.

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States Told to Ensure Free Treatment to Acid Attack Victims:

“The Health Ministry has issued a letter dated 02.05.2013 to all state Governments/UTs with a request to issue necessary instructions to all government and private hospitals in the states/UTs to provide free treatment to the acid attack victims as per the provisions of Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013,” Mr Nadda said.

“The order of the Supreme Court has been circulated to all States/UTs to ensure compliance by all concerned,” Mr Nadda added.

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The Health Minister said that a pilot programme was also started in 2010 by the Ministry for Prevention of Burns Injuries in three medical colleges and six districts hospitals of three states.

According to Nadda, the programme has been continued with the name ‘National Programme for Prevention and Management of Burns Injuries (NPPMBI)’ for establishing burns units in 67 state government medical colleges and 19 district hospitals during the 12th Five Year Plan.