Section 156: Free admission

156. Free admission (1) The following persons may authorise and order any person referred to in section 155 (1) and applying for free hospital treatment to be received in a public hospital– (a) the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for the subject of labour; (b) the Mayor or any municipal councillor of Port Louis; (c) the Permanent Secretary or any Government medical officer; (d) an officer of the Municipality in so far as regards medical relief within the District of Port Louis; (e) a District Magistrate; (f) a person referred to in section 4 of the Social Aid Act in so far as regards medical relief within the district for which he has been appointed; (g) a police officer; or (h) a medical practitioner. (2) The medical officer of every hospital may also order the admission of any person who applies for free treatment. P49 – 39 [Issue 1] Public Health Act (3) Every person admitted into a hospital shall be kept there as long as the officer in charge of the hospital thinks necessary. (4) (a) An order for admission to a hospital shall be in writing and all the orders of admission shall be numbered, filed and kept in every hospital. (b) Where a patient is admitted by a medical officer of the Ministry, the words “non-paying patient” written on the diet sheet shall be construed as an order for free admission. (5) Where after inquiry it is found that the patient has the means of paying, he shall be liable for hospital charges.