Rajasthan that was a prominent member of the infamous ‘BIMARU’ club has come out ahead of many other Indian states, as proclaimed by NITI Aayog Vice Chariman Arvind Panagariya. By repealing antiquated laws, devising radical ways to deliver direct benefits of government schemes and introducing innovative medical technologies, Raje, the ‘Queen Bee’ has emerged as one of the most progressive female leaders of all times. Under her visionary leadership, Rajasthan health kicked off progress, a fact that is evident by improved sex ratio (926:1000) in the state.
When Raje government came to power in 2013, it had plans to setup new speciality services at district hospitals, multi-storey cottages, new PHCs, CHCs, diagnostic facilities and upgraded OTs in state. The state sought public-private partnerships for infrastructure, solar panels, laundry facilities and safe bio-medical waste disposal. Committed to carry the Queen Bee’s vision forward, newly appointed Rajasthan health minister Kali Charan Saraf resolved to strengthen existing health infrastructure by completing pending projects of organ transplant institute, cancer institute and 8 medical colleges in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Health Improves after 3 Glorious Years of ‘Suraaj’
Here’s a Rajasthan Health card providing an outline of various government-run projects in state.
- New Health Centres
Over the years, the state broke free from the shackles of diseases, with 466 new sub-centres, 382 CHCs, 24 ‘Panchkarm’ clinics (alternative healthcare), 20 Yoga centres, Integrated Ambulance Service and 40 ESIC dispensaries. At present, the ESIC (Employee State Insurance Corporation) is set to build new medical colleges, 3 model career council centres and new dispensaries at a whooping cost of Rs. 800 crores. Now, the government is planning to digitalize 14 ESIC-run dispensaries and 453 sub-centres.
- Digitalization Drive
Earlier, the e-facilities were available in just 662 community health centres, but the government plans to touch the 2,319 PHC mark by 2018. Rajasthan health department has specially developed a software called Ojas for depositing health benefits directly to beneficiary accounts.
- New Counters
A separate counter has been setup for patients that provides major details like emergency registration, OPD registration, blood bank data, health checkup appointments, IP details, medical records and ward/bed/discharge details.
- Bahamshah Swasthya Bima
Bhamashah medical insurance scheme provides insurance cover worth 30 thousand to 3 lakh for major diseases. A budget worth Rs. 3 lakh crores was allotted to 1 crore 30 lakh families through Bhamashah cards. Free medical check-up and treatment for cardholders was available at 500 tertiary health centres, 1045 secondary healthcare centres and 170 state health centres. Total 6 lakh cases were successfully resolved.
- Ladli Rakht Seva
To address menstrual anaemia problems in teenage girls, ‘Ladli Rakht Seva’ aims to provide free-blood transplant to all girls below 12 years of age.
- FCC in Hospitals
Infant and Maternal mortality ratio in Rajasthan was 55 and 318 respectively (2007-2009), higher than the national standards. To trim down the threatening numbers, all district hospitals will have a Family Centre Care (FCC) in 662 satellite, district, community and sub-district hospitals.
- Free Medicines & Facilities
Rajasthan government had allotted a total budget of 324 crore 34 lakhs (2013-2014) and 465 crore 56 lakhs (2016-2017) for distributing free medicine in every district. An additional 431 crores were allotted to Bhamashah policy. Resultantly, the state was furnished with 489 medicines and 159 surgical and sutures. The government plans to repair 41,604 machines health machines in various hospitals.
- New Appointments & Provisions for Education
To address health concerns in villages and small towns, 4162 new government doctors were appointed. Even the medical colleges have increased the number of seats to 450 (UG) and 66 (PG) to accommodate more students. The new retirement age for qualified medical practitioner is 62 now.
Rajasthan, being the largest state in India is bigger than Germany and has more people than France. It’s difficult to manage new policies but Raje government will continue with the ‘reform drive’. The CM invests her faith in powerful schemes as a means to create a ‘fit and healthy Rajasthan’ before 2020.
