In a significant development that brings relief to thousands of families affected by the pandemic, the Supreme Court has endorsed the Centre's policy permitting private medical practitioners to issue official COVID-19 death certificates for insurance claims.
Breaking the Certification Deadlock
The landmark decision comes as a solution to the longstanding problem faced by families struggling to obtain death certificates exclusively from government hospitals. Many COVID-19 patients received treatment in private healthcare facilities or at home, creating documentation challenges for their families seeking compensation under various government schemes.
What the Ruling Means for Affected Families
The Supreme Court's approval means that certificates issued by private doctors will now be legally valid for processing insurance claims related to COVID-19 deaths. This streamlined approach eliminates bureaucratic hurdles that previously delayed compensation for grieving families.
Key Implications of the Decision:
- Private practitioners can officially certify COVID-19 deaths
- Simplified documentation process for insurance claims
- Faster disbursement of compensation to affected families
- Recognition of treatment received in private facilities
Legal Framework and Implementation
The decision operates within the framework of the National Disaster Management Act, which governs compensation for disaster-related deaths. The Centre's submission to the Supreme Court emphasized that this move would ensure no genuine COVID-19 victim's family is denied compensation due to documentation issues.
This policy change represents a crucial step toward addressing the practical challenges faced by citizens during the pandemic, ensuring that financial support reaches those who need it most without unnecessary procedural delays.
The Supreme Court's endorsement of this inclusive approach marks a progressive step in India's pandemic response, acknowledging the critical role played by private healthcare providers while ensuring citizens receive their entitled benefits.
