Jaipur, April 2 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressed a press conference at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, highlighting the achievements of Rajasthan’s healthcare system and presenting the “Rajasthan Model” as a benchmark for the nation.
Citing data and policy outcomes, he stated that the Congress-led government transformed Rajasthan into a leader in the health sector through landmark initiatives such as the ‘Right to Health’ and the Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana.
He contrasted this progress with the current situation in Kerala, alleging a decline in healthcare standards under Left government rule.
Gehlot explained that under the Chiranjeevi Scheme, families in Rajasthan receive cashless treatment up to Rs 25 lakh along with Rs 10 lakh accidental insurance coverage, significantly reducing financial stress associated with serious illnesses.
He noted that high-cost treatments, including cancer care, cardiac and neurosurgeries, organ transplants, and advanced procedures, are provided free of cost in both government and private hospitals.
According to him, nearly 50 lakh patients have benefited from free treatment worth around Rs 5,000 crore. The scheme also ensures free medicines for five days prior to hospitalisation and up to fifteen days post-discharge, along with reimbursement for treatment taken outside the state as per package norms.
Additionally, diagnostic services such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays are provided free of charge, easing the burden on economically weaker sections.
Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Gehlot stated that Rajasthan has achieved approximately 93 per cent health insurance coverage, far exceeding the national average of 42 per cent and surpassing states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
He emphasised that this comprehensive approach reflects the true spirit of the Right to Health and can serve as a model for other states.
He further pointed out that Rajasthan enacted a Right to Health law that ensures free emergency treatment for all individuals, including those from other states, for up to 24 hours, even in private hospitals.
Under the expanded Nirogi Rajasthan Scheme, medicines, diagnostics, and complete treatment were made free in government hospitals, making Rajasthan the first state to offer such extensive free healthcare services across both public and private sectors.
Discussing infrastructure growth, Gehlot said that over the past five years, Rajasthan has significantly expanded its healthcare network by establishing 1,674 sub-centres, 710 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and 325 Community Health Centres (CHCs).
The state now has 36 PHCs and 11 CHCs per lakh population, compared to 17 and 6.5 respectively in Kerala. He added that government hospital bed capacity increased by 60 per cent, while ICU beds nearly tripled, strengthening critical care services.
Gehlot also highlighted improvements in key health indicators, noting that institutional deliveries in Rajasthan have reached 95 per cent, surpassing the national average.
Vaccination coverage has risen from 54.8 per cent in 2015-16 to 81 per cent, while maternal and infant mortality rates have declined significantly, with the Infant Mortality Rate dropping to 30.3, below the national average of 35.2.
On medical education, he stated that the initiative to establish medical colleges in every district originated under the UPA government.
During his tenure, Rajasthan opened 12 new medical colleges and 29 nursing colleges, increased MBBS seats by 1,980 and postgraduate seats by 558, and initiated the establishment of Marwar Medical University to enhance coordination and research in the health sector.
Concluding his remarks, Gehlot said the overarching goal of these reforms was to make Rajasthan self-reliant in healthcare, ensuring that no individual is forced to sell assets for medical treatment.
He asserted that the Rajasthan Model is now being studied as a successful example for healthcare reform across the country.
--IANS
arc/dan