Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru denies free treatment to out-of-state patients, RTI shows

A Right to Information (RTI) request submitted to the Karnataka State Health Department has disclosed that Wenlock Hospital, a major public medical facility in Mangaluru, does not extend its free treatment scheme to patients who travel from other states. The department’s reply clarified that the hospital’s free care policy is limited to residents of Karnataka, as stipulated in the state’s health financing guidelines.

The RTI response indicated that out-of-state patients are required to pay the standard rates for all services, including consultations, investigations and inpatient care. Hospital officials said the restriction is intended to prioritize resources for the local population, given the high patient load the institution handles daily.

Health advocates have expressed concern that the policy may deter needy patients from neighboring states from seeking timely care, especially for emergencies. They have called for a review of the guidelines to ensure equitable access across state borders while maintaining the hospital’s capacity to serve its primary catch‑area.