The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday took suo motu cognizance of a media report that an elderly man died by suicide in Karnataka after he was denied the health benefit under the central flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The 72-year-old man had enrolled himself for the scheme which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with much fanfare last year for the senior citzens.
The Commission in a statement said that it has issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Chief Secretary, Karnataka Government calling for a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.
Citing media reports, the top rights body said that the old man committed suicide as reportedly the hospital denied him the benefit of the scheme to the senior citizens stating that the State government orders in this regard had not arrived yet.
A few more cases regarding the problems being faced by the beneficiaries of the AB PM-JAY scheme for senior citizens have also been mentioned in the news report, said the NHRC.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights, the statement added. The central health flagship for senior citizens 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 specialized 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 NHRC noted.
The reports are expected to include the present status of the implementation of the AB PM-JAY for senior citizens in Karnataka and other States/ Union Territories, said the statement.
