COVID Martyrs' Day: Families of only 20 doctors who died get compensation; IMA Rajasthan

Jaipur: Observing COVID Martyrs’ Day on January 30, the Rajasthan branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) revealed that despite at least 65 doctors succumbing to COVID-19 in the state, only 20 families have received compensation under the government's Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package (PMGKP) so far. 

COVID Martyrs Day is observed as a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the heroes of the medical fraternity who sacrificed their lives in the fight against the pandemic and draw the government’s attention towards the non-payment of compensation to the families of doctors who lost their lives during the pandemic. 

Despite the doctors' selfless sacrifice in saving the lives of the country's people during the pandemic, the government, responsible for providing compensation to the affected families, has only compensated 20 out of the 65 doctors who tragically lost their lives in the state. 

Also read- Families Of Only 30 Percent Of Doctors Who Died Due To COVID-19 Received Compensation Till 2023, Reveals RTI

In response to this, the state branch of IMA, as reported by TOI, is planning to write to the Centre over the issue so that the remaining families can get compensated. 

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the New India Assurance Company revealed that the families of only 475 doctors out of 1596 were compensated under the scheme while replying to a Right to Information query asking about the total Covid martyrs compensated under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP).

Based on the data, it was clear that only 29 per cent of doctors' families have received the compensation, indicating that around 71 per cent of families of healthcare workers are still waiting for their compensation under the scheme.  

According to the RTI, the government has paid altogether Rs. 237.5 crores to the families of 475 COVID martyrs. In 2022, only 428 families of the doctors received compensation which indicates that only an additional 47 COVID martyrs have been compensated in 2023.

On Tuesday, members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) visited the residences of doctors who succumbed to COVID-19 and conveyed their unwavering support to the bereaved families.

Speaking to the daily, Dr Sunil Chugh, past president (IMA) state branch said, "The state government had announced that any doctor who died due to Covid-19 while serving the community, his or her family will be given Rs 50 lakh by the state government, but it has not been given till now. Only 20 have received it."

"Governor of Assam Gulab Chand Kataria, who belongs to Udaipur, had raised the issue in May 2023. Despite that, no action has been taken on the remaining doctors’ benefits under PMGKP," Dr Chugh added. 

Dr Rajneesh Sharma, president of the IMA state branch said, “On Martyrs’ Day, every branch of IMA is remembering their sacrifice and giving assurance and mementoes to Covid martyr families. A lot of families could not present their documents due to certain reasons. Now, we have a list of 107 doctors who lost their lives during the pandemic.”  

Also read- IMA Stresses Need For COVID Martyrs Fund, Raises Doctors Issues In Public Representatives Meeting