Centre Announces Compensation To Kin Of Individuals Who Die By Suicide Within 30 Days Of Testing COVID-19 Positive

Guwahati: On September 23, an affidavit was filed by the central government stating the ex gratia will be provided to the family of those who have died by suicide within 30 days of testing COVID-19 positive.

As per the affidavit, "The family members of people committing suicide within 30 days from being diagnosed as COVID-19 positive as per MoH&F (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)/ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) guidelines will also be entitled to avail financial help as granted under SDRF (State Disaster Response Force)."

The affidavit filed by the Centre also stated that the top Court may pass any direction in this regard.

The Centre was previously asked by the Supreme Court to review its decision of not including death by suicide as a COVID-19 death, even if COVID-19 was an accompanying condition. 

A bench comprising Justice MR Shah asked the centre to reconsider its decision on the issue stating that the exclusion of suicides where COVID-19 was an accompanying condition cannot be prima facie accepted.

As per the earlier guidelines issued by the central government, "deaths occurring due to poisoning, suicide, homicide, and deaths due to accidents, among others, will not be considered as a Covid-19 death even if Covid-19 is an accompanying condition."

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