Denied medicine, Govt pensioners seek euthanasia

MORE THAN two-dozen out of the 2.78 lakh pensioners in the State have sought euthanasia, alleging neglect by the State Government in providing them medicines in time for their serious ailments.

“At some places, medicines have not been distributed since October last,” alleged veteran leader of pensioners, N P Sharma. He told the Hindustan Times that it is better to die than fight a losing battle against diseases. More than two-dozen pensioners have already shown interest for euthanasia and formal letter in this regard would be sent soon to Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi.

Sharma said that in majority of the places pensioners are getting medicines only for three months in a year. The State Government is denying them medicines on the plea of ‘new drug policy’.

‘But we are unable to understand the rationale behind denying medicines of Indian medicine system to the pensioners,” he said.

Against the budgetary provision of Rs 4 crore last year, the State Government has Rs 6.25 crore for medical treatment of pensioners during the current fiscal.

“We are grateful to the Government for increasing budgetary allocation, though it is still inadequate,” Sharma remarked.With the hike, pensioners in the State would get merely Rs 18.7 per month for medical care against Rs 21,700 per month provisioned for an MLA in the State.

“No one grudges our legislators the best of medical attention but when we compare them with the pensioners who have also put in a lifetime of service and have reached an age where the body requires more maintenance, MLAs seem a highly favoured lot,” decried Sharma.

What is more, the amount is available only at district level, which means pensioners living at tehsil or village level are largely deprived of any medical attention whatsoever.

Madhya Pradesh Pensioners Samaj general secretary Dinesh Mishra said it is unfortunate that pensioners are not getting adequate funds for treatment.

Despite repeated attempts, Health Minister and Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare could not be contacted.

First Published: Apr 30, 2006 14:20 IST