The Supreme Court has issued notice on a writ petition under Article 32 filed by the AIIMS Divyang Federation, representing persons with disabilities employed in various Central Government–funded hospitals and healthcare institutions, challenging the withdrawal of their Patient Care Allowance (PCA).

According to the petition, hospitals discontinued PCA pursuant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s notification dated May 7, read with an earlier notification issued on April 21, 2023. The Federation contends that the decision violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, as well as provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the National Trust Act, 1999.

PCA—also termed Hospital Patient Care Allowance (HPCA)—is described as an essential protective allowance granted to Group C and D ministerial and non-ministerial staff working in Central Government hospitals with 30 or more beds, or in super-speciality centres with over 10 beds. These employees do not receive Night Weightage or Risk Allowance, and PCA is meant to offset the hazards faced due to constant exposure to communicable diseases, biohazardous materials, hospital waste, hospital-acquired infections, and direct patient contact.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice on November 14, directing the Centre to respond within four weeks.

Case: AIIMS Divyang Federation v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) 1051/2025