The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report highlighting the tragic case of a 72-year-old man who allegedly committed suicide on December 25, 2024, after being denied a ₹5 lakh insurance cover under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) at the State Government-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru. Despite being enrolled in the scheme, the hospital reportedly refused the benefit, citing a lack of official orders from the State government. The report also mentioned several other cases where senior citizens faced difficulties in availing benefits under the scheme.
The NHRC observed that if the media report is accurate, it raises serious concerns about the violation of human rights. The AB PM-JAY senior citizen scheme was established to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to elderly citizens, particularly those who cannot afford expensive medical treatment. Denying these benefits undermines their right to health, a fundamental aspect of living with dignity.
In response, the Commission has issued notices to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, seeking a comprehensive report on the issue within four weeks. The reports should detail the current status of the scheme’s implementation in Karnataka and across other States and Union Territories.
