Rajasthan's Free Medicine Scheme Maintains Top Spot, MP to Study Its Model

Reportedly, a team from the Madhya Pradesh government will visit Jaipur in mid-October to study the scheme’s implementation.

Rajasthan’s free medicine scheme has been ranked first for the third consecutive month in the Center’s evaluation of states based on efficiency in providing free medicines.

The state, in the recent evaluation, scored 77.8%, securing the top position, followed by Bihar and Telangana with 71.5% and 71.1%, respectively.

Reportedly, a team from the Madhya Pradesh government will visit Jaipur in mid-October to study the scheme’s implementation.

The delegation will observe the drug warehouses at SMS Medical College and Jaipuria Hospital, as well as primary health centers in Amber and Bhankrota.

"A team from Madhya Pradesh will visit Jaipur to understand the supply chain processes that ensure medicine availability in government hospitals," said a senior health department official.

The five-member team will arrive on October 15 for a two-day visit, with the aim of improving their own state’s medicine supply, storage, and distribution systems.

Rajasthan's model, which prioritizes efficient distribution and accessibility of free medicines, has become a point of reference for other states.

What is the Free Medicine Scheme?

Rajasthan’s Free Medicine Scheme, known as the Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana (MNDY), was launched on October 2, 2011. The scheme provides essential medicines free of cost to patients visiting government healthcare institutions.

As per reports, over 70 Cr people have benefited from the scheme since its inception. The scheme aimed to save citizens' significant amounts of money on healthcare expenses thereby reducing the financial burden on families.

Several reports also indicate, there has been a noticeable improvement in health outcomes due to increased access to essential medicines and diagnostic tests.

Rajasthan has been actively working to boost its healthcare infrastructure. Months back, in June, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said good health for the people of Rajasthan remains a top priority.

The chief minister also noted that Rajasthan had achieved top position in various health parameters during the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" and had converted over 10,000 wellness centers into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

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