Raj removes flagship tag from free medicine, tests schemes
Jaipur: The state govt has removed the free medicine and free diagnostic tests schemes — initiated by the previous Congress govt — from its list of flagship programmes, prioritising instead Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya (MAA) Yojana, a health insurance initiative.
The removal of these programmes — hailed as pioneering in healthcare welfare — from the flagship list has raised concerns about their future oversight and funding, potentially resulting in reduced attention and resources and undermining their impact.
"For over a decade, these schemes have been transformative in strengthening Rajasthan's public healthcare system," said Chhaya Pachauli, coordinator of
Jan Swasthya Abhiyan Rajasthan
(JSAR), a leading public health advocacy group. Pachauli demanded the immediate reinstatement of the programmes' flagship tag.
A JSAR memorandum to the chief minister highlighted that the schemes had reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for marginalised communities and boosted public confidence in the state's healthcare services. However, a senior health department official said, "Regardless of their status on the flagship list, free medicine and diagnostic tests will continue to be provided to patients."
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During a review meeting on Saturday, health minister Gajendra Khimsar announced plans for the next phase of MAA scheme, which will include interstate portability, allowing beneficiaries to access advanced medical treatment in other states. He claimed that MAA scheme not only improves the quality of healthcare services but also increases the income of both private and govt hospitals.
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