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May 14, 2026e-Paper

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Photographed under anaesthesia: when anti-fraud rules violate patient dignity

Rules pertaining to the Central government’s flagship insurance programme, AB-PMJAY, mandate photographs of patients to be taken during their surgical procedures. There seem to be no regulations however, with regard to consent, ethics and security, leaving vulnerable patients at risk.

Published - May 14, 2026 02:46 pm IST

Christianez Ratna Kiruba
The OT, once a closed, carefully-controlled clinical space has become a site of verification. Image used for representational purposes only

The OT, once a closed, carefully-controlled clinical space has become a site of verification. Image used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: Getty Images

One week ago, a 22-year-old young woman, girl undergoing surgery for Bartholin’s gland cyst (located next to the vaginal opening) in a State-run government college in Kaushumbi, Uttar Pradesh, had her pictures of face and private parts, taken during the surgery, circulated on WhatsApp groups.

Even as the authorities investigate these serious lapses in securities, several doctors say that photography in the operation theatre -- mandated to claim insurance under the Ayushmann Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme, has several risks, both in terms of security and health.

Published - May 14, 2026 02:46 pm IST

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