The Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), designed to provide cashless treatment to government employees and pensioners, is encountering significant hurdles. Recent reports highlight the scheme's struggle to provide essential medications, particularly affecting the elderly population.

Medication Shortages

An alarming shortage of essential medicines has gripped the RGHS, leaving many elderly individuals without important treatments. Medications vital for maintaining health, such as multivitamins, calcium supplements, skincare products, folic acid, and pain relievers, are not available from pharmacies.

Supply Chain Disruptions

The scarcity is increased by disruptions in the medication supply chain, with numerous suppliers in the state halting their services due to payment delays. 

Restricted Access

Furthermore, the situation is dire for patients requiring specialized treatments, including those battling cancer. Reports indicate a ban on essential medications such as sleeping pills and specific injections vital for cancer treatment, further restricting access to life-saving care.

Current Situation

• The state has 450,000 pensioners.
• There are a total of 700,000 family members.
•  There are 3,500 authorized medical stores.
• Over 200 medicines are currently unavailable.
•  There are 600 private hospitals.

Additional Issues

• Hospital stays due to serious illnesses are limited to 5 days, even if a longer stay is medically necessary. This extended stay is not covered under health insurance.
• Pensioners needing consultations outside hospital hours must pay out of pocket, which should ideally be covered by health insurance.
• There is a significant need for dental treatment in old age, yet no hospital is accredited for such care. This treatment is also among the most expensive.
• At the district level, there is no nodal officer to resolve issues promptly. With centralized and online schemes in place, individual pensioners face significant difficulties.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika