New Delhi [India], January 10 (HBTV): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the suicide of a 72-year-old man in Bengaluru, Karnataka, after he was reportedly denied treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The incident occurred on December 25 last year.

The man, who was enrolled in the AB PM-JAY scheme, sought treatment at the government-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Despite his eligibility, he was allegedly denied coverage due to the absence of state government orders. This denial reportedly led the senior citizen to take his own life.

The scheme, designed to provide financial coverage for medical care to senior citizens, especially those unable to afford expensive treatments, was central to the victim's plea for assistance. Reports suggest similar denials of benefits under AB PM-JAY have occurred in other hospitals across the state, raising concerns over systemic issues.

The NHRC has expressed serious concern, terming such incidents a "violation of human rights." The Commission emphasized that the denial of benefits under the scheme compromises senior citizens' right to health and dignity, which are integral to the right to life.

In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, demanding a detailed report within four weeks. The report should outline the current status of AB PM-JAY’s implementation in Karnataka and across other States and Union Territories in India.

The NHRC has underscored the urgency of addressing these lapses to protect the welfare and dignity of vulnerable senior citizens nationwide.

(ANI)