Rajasthan’s flagship free medicine scheme, Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana, has clinched the top position amongst 16 other states in the monthly rankings issued by the National Health Mission (NHM).
About the Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana
The free medicine scheme was launched by the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 2nd October 2011. The initiative was composed of two main components. First was the provision of commonly-used essential medicines free of cost to patients visiting government healthcare institutions, introduced on 2nd October 2011. The second component provided free tests and was introduced on 7th April 2013.
To successfully implement this initiative, the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) was formed as a Public Limited Company. Since its inception back in 2011, the scheme has benefitted around 67 crore patients and currently covers a record number of 712 different medicines.
National Health Mission’s Free Drug Service Initiative
The National Health Mission, under its Free Drug Service Initiative, began ranking states with the aim of encouraging them to provide free drugs to their patients coming to public health facilities. The performance of the states was assessed on the basis of ten parameters. A few of these are the stock of drugs, the value of drugs about to expire, and effective compliance with the Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS).
The main objective of NHM’s initiative is to help alleviate financial burdens of patients suffering from diseases like cancer, heart and kidney-related conditions, and other severe ailments. Managed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the initiative provides support to the states.
Facts about the Free Medicine Scheme of Rajasthan Government
| Launch Date | Number of Beneficiaries | Number of Medicines Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd October 2011 | 67 Crore | 712 |
Moving Forward: Encouraging Inclusive Accessibility and Affordability
Rewarding the states through this ranking system will serve as a catalyst for ensuring inclusive accessibility and affordability of health care services especially to the most disadvantaged and poorest sections of society. It also promotes the spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism by inspiring other states to emulate such successful initiatives.
Promoting free healthcare initiatives not only provides immediate relief to patients but also can have long-term impacts on a state’s public health. By prioritizing the provision of free medicines and tests, states can help ensure that their residents receive necessary healthcare despite their financial situations. Looking forward, it is hoped that more states will take a similar approach and prioritize free healthcare services in their regions.
