New Delhi, Jan 9 (Reporter) Taking suo motu cognisance of the reported suicide of a senior citizen following denial of treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme by a government-run hospital in Bengaluru, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued notices to senior officials. According to NHRC sources, the notices were sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Secretary of the state. The Commission has called for a detailed report on the matter within four weeks. “The reports are expected to include the current status of the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) senior citizen scheme in Karnataka and other States and Union Territories,” the NHRC said. According to a media report, a 72-year-old man committed suicide on 25th December 2024 after the State Government-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru declined to provide him the Rs. 5 lakh cover under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), despite his enrollment in the scheme. Reportedly, the hospital denied the benefit to the senior citizen, citing the lack of State government orders regarding the scheme's implementation. “A few more cases regarding the problems faced by beneficiaries of the AB PM-JAY scheme for senior citizens have also been mentioned in the news report,” the NHRC noted. The Commission observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise serious concerns regarding the violation of human rights. “The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) senior citizen scheme has been designed to ensure access to quality medical care for senior citizens, especially those unable to afford hospital bills, specialized treatments, and medicines. If senior citizens are being denied the benefits of a scheme meant for their welfare, it may constitute a violation of their right to health, which is essential for a life with dignity,” it added...////...