On NHRC intervention the Delhi Government reimburses Rs. 83,43,819 towards the treatment of a contractual doctor following post Covid-19 complications

On the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, the Delhi Government has reimbursed the treatment cost of Rs. 83,43,819 to Dr. Amit Gupta. He was working as a Senior Resident Doctor (Pediatrics) in the Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra Hospital, Delhi. However, being a contractual Doctor, he was not being extended any financial assistance after getting infected with Covid-19.

The Commission, on the basis of a complaint in this regard, had issued a notice to the Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry and Delhi Government on 16th May, 2021 asking for extending immediate financial assistance and other support to the ailing Dr. Gupta. They were also asked to frame a policy for all the contractual medical and paramedical staff deployed by the Centre or State governments.

In response, the Delhi government has also informed that they have further requested the Director General Health Services, DGHS to frame a policy for providing adequate medical care to the doctors and paramedical staff hired on contract basis. This may include medical insurance for them.

Commending the quick action by the Government of NCT Delhi towards reimbursing the expenditure on the treatment of Dr. Gupta, the Commission has said that it is expected that the Delhi Chief Secretary shall ensure framing a policy for all the contractual medical staff and submit an action taken report within six weeks.

However, having received no response from the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry to its notice, the Commission has also sent a reminder to its Secretary to inform within six weeks about the action been taken in the matter.

The complainant had alleged that the contractual doctors/ resident doctors and paramedical staff in the AIIMS are getting benefits of the EHS (Employees Health Services) but the contractual doctors/ resident doctors and paramedical staff of the Delhi Government and the other Central Government hospitals were not getting the similar facilities. Allegedly, the Delhi Government has a provision for paying an ex-gratia of Rs. One Crore to the next of kin of deceased Corona warriors but not taking care of them when they fell sick during the course of their public duties.

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