Rajasthan stood first in the whole country in implementing the Free Medicine Scheme. Rajasthan has achieved this feat by securing maximum marks overall in the number of medicines approved in the scheme, rate contracts available, availability of medicines in various medical institutions and other parameters.

Neha Giri, Managing Director of Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation, said that this ranking has been released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding the operation of the free medicine scheme.

How Rajasthan stood first

In June 2024, Rajasthan has secured first position with 76.78 marks. Whereas Telangana stood second with 75 points. Notably, the number of medicines approved is 1828 in the free medicine scheme run in the Rajasthan state.

Neha Giri mentioned that the Government of India created the Drugs and Vaccines Distribution System Dashboard in April 2019. Through this dashboard, information about the progress of free medicine schemes operated in different states is compiled.

Furthermore, Neha Giri said that the ranking is determined based on 10 parameters. These parameters include the number of medical institutions under the scheme, stock of medicines, online supply, quality checking, expiry of medicines, and time taken for supply. Moreover, 100 marks have been allotted for these parameters. Rajasthan obtained 76.78 marks out of 100.

What is the free medicine scheme in Rajasthan?

Rajasthan is a pioneer in providing free healthcare services to its citizens. One of the most prominent initiatives is the Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana (MNDY), which translates to the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme.  

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Free Medicines: Patients visiting government hospitals in Rajasthan receive the most commonly used drugs free of cost.  
• Wide Coverage: Furthermore, the scheme covers a vast range of medicines, including essential and life-saving drugs.
• Improved Accessibility: Drug distribution counters (DDCs) have been established in hospitals to ensure easy access to medicines.
• Quality Assurance: Above all the government maintains strict quality control measures to ensure the efficacy of the provided medicines.

Benefits of the Scheme:

• Reduced Financial Burden: Patients, especially from economically weaker sections, are relieved of the financial burden of buying medicines.  
• Improved Health Outcomes: Moreover, timely access to medicines can lead to better health outcomes and reduced complications.
• Increased Utilization of Government Healthcare: Above all the scheme encourages people to seek treatment in government hospitals, leading to better healthcare utilization.

In essence, the free medicine scheme in Rajasthan is a significant step towards providing affordable and accessible healthcare to its citizens.