NHRC notice to Centre, Karnataka govt. over suicide of senior citizen denied treatment under Ayushman Bharat
The Hindu
NHRC issues notice to Karnataka govt after man's suicide due to denial of health scheme benefits.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday (January 9, 2025) issued notice to the Karnataka government in the case of a 72-year-old man who died by suicide as the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru declined to provide him ₹5 lakh cover under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The victim, who died on December 25, 2024, took the extreme step after the hospital denied him the benefit of the scheme stating that the State government orders in this regard had not arrived yet.
The NHRC has observed that the reports of the incident raises a serious concern regarding violation of human rights.
“The AB PM-JAY senior citizens scheme has been framed with an aim to ensure good medical care for senior citizens, especially those who are not able to spend the hospital bills and cost of specialised treatment and medicines. If senior citizens are not getting the benefit of the scheme intended for their welfare, it may amount to violation of their right to health, which is inherent to a life with dignity,” the Commission said.
Accordingly, it issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka calling for a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.
The reports are expected to include the present status of the implementation of the AB PM-JAY senior citizens scheme in Karnataka along with other States and Union Territories.
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