Rajasthan: Govt to keep eye on free, expensive medicines

Jaipur: The state government will be monitoring the government hospitals as a large number of expensive medicines have been distributed to the hospitals under Mukhya Mantri Nishulk Nirogi Rajasthan Yojna (MMNNRY).  

The state government has implemented an important health protection scheme "Mukhyamantri Nishulk Janch Yojna" in a phased manner to provide complete treatment facilities free of cost to all patients visiting government hospitals, the government started a free diagnostic scheme.

In this scheme, approximately 1.25 Lakh to 1.50 investigations doing free per day, under which from 07.04.2013 to 31.01.2022 40 Crore 44 Lakh 47 Thousand 281 Investigations have been done and a total of 17 Crore 51 Lakh 33 Thousand 287 people benefit under this scheme.

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The patients will need to provide their Aadhaar cards in order to get the medicines so that the government can keep track of the medicines not being misused. The government will provide the expensive medicines free of cost to the patients in need.

However, there are rules laid down by the government which need to be followed in order to get the medicines. Hospitals' HOD of different departments will need to approve medicines at a cost of Rs 10,000 or more per month before providing them to the patients.

On the other hand, different procedures have been made if a patient needs medicines at a cost of 1 lakh or more per month. The government has directed faculty members of a department to prescribe the medicines to the patients.

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A senior health official told TOI that a special committee will be created headed by the head of the departments of Sawai Man Singh medical college and members where doctors will ensure the patient's need for the expensive medicines at a cost of Rs1 lakh or more per month.

Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) has already begun the procurement of medications for free distribution. RMSCL has been established as a centralized procurement agency for procuring generic medicines, surgical & sutures and medical equipments for the Department of Medical, Health and Family welfare department, medical Education department and other departments.