New Delhi, December 11 — The Supreme Court has held that doctors who lost their lives while performing COVID-19 duty are entitled to insurance benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). The Court observed that medical professionals who served on the frontline during the pandemic were covered under the scheme and their families cannot be denied the assured compensation.
The bench noted that the objective of PMGKY was to provide financial support to frontline workers who risked their lives during the health crisis. It stated that denying benefits to families of doctors who died in the line of duty would defeat the purpose of the scheme.
The Court directed authorities to process pending claims without delay and ensure that eligible families receive the insurance amount in accordance with the guidelines issued during the pandemic.
The ruling reinforces the recognition of the crucial role played by healthcare workers during COVID-19 and affirms the government’s responsibility to honour commitments made under PMGKY.
