RGHS Scheme: The ambitious Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) is facing challenges once more. Hospitals and pharmacy operators have declared a temporary halt to cashless drug distribution in outpatient departments starting March 25th.
This situation is anticipated to directly affect around 5 million beneficiaries, including pensioners and patients with serious health conditions. The Rajasthan Alliance of Hospital Associations (RAHA) reports that payments amounting to crores of rupees owed to hospitals and pharmacies have been overdue for the last eight to nine months. As a result, medicine suppliers have begun to cease credit supplies, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the cashless service.
Coordination Issues Between Government and Administration
Sources indicate that there has been a significant lack of coordination between the medical and finance departments concerning payments. Hospital operators claim that officials are not providing clear responses, and the scheme is not receiving the attention it requires. RAHA has called for the immediate release of outstanding payments and the establishment of a timely system to ensure efficient service delivery.
Warnings from Hospitals
The Rajasthan Alliance of Hospital Associations (RAHA), which comprises hospitals and pharmacy organizations linked to the RGHS scheme, has claimed that their payments have been delayed for eight to nine months. As a result, they have cautioned that cashless drug services at OPD pharmacies under the scheme in Jaipur may be temporarily suspended starting March 25th.
Who Will Be Affected?
This decision will primarily impact patients who depend on regular medication. Pensioners, in particular, who benefit from free or cashless medication under this scheme, are expected to experience the most difficulties. With the suspension of medication services, they may have to incur out-of-pocket expenses.
Was the step taken out of compulsion?
Raha clarified that this move was not a protest, but rather a forced one. He said that despite repeated demands, payments had not been made. This was putting increasing financial pressure on hospitals and pharmacy units.
This demand was made from the government
The organization urged the state government to expedite pending payments and implement a timely payment system. They argued that ensuring timely payments would ensure smooth resumption of the scheme and ensure patient safety.
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