Latest news with #Pachauli
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
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." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo 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.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Activists seek restoration of flagship schemes, focus on health infrastructure
Health activists attached to the Rajasthan Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA) on Friday (May 2, 2025) sought restoration of three major health initiatives launched by the previous Congress government as the flagship schemes. The JSA said the status of flagship schemes would help safeguard their impact and priority. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had recently removed three initiatives, namely Nirogi Rajasthan, Chief Minister's Nishulk Dawa Yojana and Chief Minister's Nishulk Jaanch Yojana from the category of flagship schemes. The JSA pointed out that these schemes had strengthened the State's public healthcare framework and enhanced people's access to government health services. The JSA, functioning as the Rajasthan chapter of the People's Health Movement and supported by a coalition of 70 networks and organisations, has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, seeking his intervention in the matter. Chhaya Pachauli, director of voluntary group Prayas, said these initiatives had improved health outcomes across the State and served as a model for universal healthcare, inspiring several other States to adopt similar programmes. 'Their role in advancing equitable healthcare access has been widely recognised as a milestone in Rajasthan's public health journey,' Ms. Pachauli said. The JSA said the decision to downgrade these schemes from flagship status had raised serious concerns about their future funding, political commitment, and operational priority. This move could reverse the substantial progress made in healthcare accessibility and affordability, particularly for the State's poorest and most vulnerable populations, Ms. Pachauli said. The JSA has sought an urgent dialogue with the State government and swift action to restore the three schemes to their rightful flagship status. Among the three schemes, Nirogi Rajasthan dealt with elderly care, women and children and spreading awareness about vaccination and drug addiction.
