JUDGMENT
S.S. Nijjar, J.
1. We have heard the learned counsel for the parties at length and perused the record of the case.
2. In this writ petition, the petitioner claims reimbursement of six medical bills, the details of which are as follows:-
Bill No.
Annexure
Period
Amount
2.
P-25 to P-29
6.11.92to 15.7.93
Rs. 57,812/-
3.
P-30 to P-35
16.7.93 to 13.1.94
Rs. 35,661/-
4.
P-36 to P-40
14.1.94 to 16.8.94
Rs. 64,129/-
5.
P-41 to P-45
17.8.94 to 30.4.95
Rs. 51,252/-
6.
P-46 to P-50
1.5.95 to 2.2.96
Rs. 40,735/-
7.
P-51 to P-54
3.2. 96 to 31.12.96
Rs. 43,679/-
The aforesaid amount represented the expenses incurred by the petitioner for the
treatment of his wife as outdoor patient taken from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New
Delhi. According to the learned counsel, the payment of six bills has been denied to the
petitioner by the impugned orders which are attached to the petition as Annexures P-59,
P-60, P-63, P-64, P-71 and P-72. Learned counsel has submitted that the medical expenses incurred on indoor and outdoor treatment are reimbursable on the basis of the
policy which has been in vogue prior to 01.03.1986. However, from 01.03.1986, by letter dated 0.6.05.1986, the facility of out door treatment was withdrawn and replaced by
a fixed medical allowance of Rs. 150/- per annum. Subsequently, the facility of fixed
medical allowance of Rs. 150/- per annum and the facility of free medical outdoor treatment was made optional. At the time of filing of the writ petition, the case of the petitioner was governed by the instructions Annexure P-8, P-9, P-19 and P-11, which pro
vided that for out door treatment of chronic diseases, a sum of Rs. 500/- per month
would be reimbursable making a total of Rs. 6000/- per year. According to the learned
counsel, the validity of these instructions came up for consideration before this Court in
the case of Renu Saigal v. State of Haryana, (1998-3)120 P.L.R. 666. After considering the entire matter, this Court has held that the aforesaid instructions, insofar as they
deny the benefit of full medical reimbursement to an outdoor patient are void and
quashed the same. In that case, a further direction was issued to the respondent to make
full reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by the petitioner therein, both as in
door and outdoor patient. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the
case of the petitioner is further covered by a decision of this Court in the case of
Kuldeep Kumar v. State of Haryana, 2002 (3) R.S.J. 115. In the aforesaid case, this
Court has quashed the instructions dated 11.08.1992. This matter is stated to be further
squarely covered by a Division Bench judgment of this Court in the case of K.K. Ravi
Kant v. The State of Haryana and Ors., 1998(3) R.S.J. 705 in which it has been held
that if the outdoor treatment is absolutely necessary, the patient shall be entitled to full
reimbursement. Even in the case of Krishan Kumar (deceased) through Lrs v. State of
Haryana and Ors., 1999(4) R.S.J. 387, a Single Bench of this Court has clearly held
that outdoor treatment which was a follow up and an integral part of the indoor treatment, must also be reimbursed as indoor treatment.
3. In view of the repeated pronouncements of the law by this Court as noticed above, it would have to be held that the petitioner is entitled to reimbursement of the amounts of these bills, which have been enumerated above subject to verification. Consequently, this petition is allowed. The impugned order Annexures P-59, P-60, P-63, P-64, P-71 and P-72 are quashed. The respondents are directed to reimburse to the petitioner medical expenses covered under these bills enumerated above after the same have been verified. Let the medical expenses be reimbursed within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. However, it is made clear that if the medical expense are not released within the time stipulated above, the respondents
shall pay interest on the amount at the rate of 12% per annum from the date of expiry of
the period of two months till actual payment. No costs.
Sd/- M.M. Kumar, J.