Rajasthan Health Advocacy Groups Push for Major Health System Reforms
Forty-one social organizations united under Jan Swasthya Abhiyan Rajasthan made strong demands to the state government on Thursday. They called for a significant increase in the health budget during the upcoming Assembly session starting January 28.
Key Demands for Health System Improvement
The coalition submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. They emphasized the urgent need for concrete health outcomes rather than just service availability. The groups highlighted several critical areas requiring immediate attention.
Implementation of Right to Health Act Remains Pending
Organizations expressed frustration over the delayed framing of rules for the "Rajasthan Right to Health Act-2022." They demanded immediate formulation and implementation of these crucial provisions. The Act promises comprehensive health rights that remain unrealized without proper rules.
Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Demands
The memorandum outlined specific requirements for improving maternal and child health services. These include:
- Complete antenatal and postnatal care for all women
- Full benefits from existing maternity schemes
- Safe and free institutional delivery facilities
- Reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates
- 100% immunization coverage across the state
- Completion of TB treatment programs
- Effective control of diabetes and hypertension at primary health centers
A JSA official explained the necessary support systems. "Regular follow-up mechanisms, strong referral networks, patient tracking systems, and adequate budgetary provisions for hospitals must be established," the official stated.
Time-Bound Standards for Emergency Services
The groups demanded clear time-bound standards for emergency medical services. They proposed specific timelines including:
- Immediate treatment in emergency situations
- Test reports delivered within 24 hours
- Referrals completed within fixed time limits
They suggested practical solutions to minimize delays. Tele-consultation services, dedicated referral transport systems, and additional diagnostic capacity could significantly improve response times.
Accessibility Concerns for Vulnerable Populations
A major concern addressed the mandatory Jan Aadhaar card requirement for free health services. The organizations urged the government to abolish this requirement or create special provisions for vulnerable groups.
Migrant workers, refugees, homeless individuals, and nomadic communities often lack Jan Aadhaar cards. Despite genuine need, these populations face deprivation of free health services due to documentation issues.
Proposed Grievance Redressal Mechanism
To ensure effective health rights implementation, the groups proposed establishing independent authorities at state and district levels. These bodies would handle patient complaints regarding:
- Denial of treatment
- Unnecessary delays in service
- Additional expenses beyond standard charges
- Misbehavior by healthcare staff
The proposed system would provide time-bound solutions to registered complaints, creating accountability within the health system.
Human Resource Challenges in Remote Areas
The memorandum highlighted persistent human resource shortages in tribal area hospitals. Organizations demanded a transparent human resource policy for health workers, as committed in the Right to Health Act.
"We need to ensure availability of skilled and supported doctors, nurses, and other health workers in remote rural areas," the groups emphasized. Proper staffing remains crucial for delivering quality healthcare across all regions.
Simplifying Maternal Health Scheme Access
The coalition called for simplified processes under various maternal health schemes. Programs like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Mukhya Mantri Matritva Poshan Yojana need easier access mechanisms.
They recommended minimizing mandatory documentation requirements. This approach would help maximum eligible women benefit from these important schemes without bureaucratic hurdles.
The collective demands represent a comprehensive vision for Rajasthan's health system transformation. Organizations await government response as the Assembly session approaches.
