NHRC takes note of distressed health workers; sends notice to IRDA and Finance Ministry

As the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing rapidly, The National Human Rights Commission took suo moto cognizance of a media report stating that the healthcare workers are facing the issue of high premiums to buy group Mediclaim policies. The NHRC issued notices to the IRDA, Union Ministry of Finance and called for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks.

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of a media report stating that the healthcare workers, who are at the maximum risk to contract the coronavirus infections are facing the issue of high premiums to buy group Mediclaim policies.

As the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing rapidly, the risk of infection in health care workers is on the rise.

As per official reports, more than 500 doctors and nurses were reported positive for the novel coronavirus. The insurance cover for maximum healthcare employees is either not there or premiums are low.

While most doctors have a medical cover, the struggle has mainly been about ensuring protection for their staffers.

There is also confusion whether Rs 50 lakh health cover provided by the central government for healthcare workers include private doctors, staffers and also those doing non-COVID work.

Read: NHRC notices to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh govts over reports of woman pulling suitcase with child sleeping half hung on it

NHRC has issued notices to the chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), secretary of Financial Department Services, Insurance Division, Union Ministry of Finance and called for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks.

In a statement, NHRC said, "Denial of insurance claims by the companies to the COVID Warriors will definitely bring down their morale and its result will adversely affect the general public at the end."

Considering the issue as a case of violation of human rights, the Commission thought that its intervention is necessary in the matter as sufferers are poor citizens who are already under the trauma of the Coronavirus due to lack of medical facilities, it added.

As per media reports, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has said that a company which earlier agreed to extend a fixed benefit cover of up to Rs 2 lakh to its members, pulled out of the deal after COVID-19 cases began to rise in the state.

The IMA has reportedly stated that the company has returned the premium paid by around 150 doctors who had already signed the documents.