Sunday 7 April 2013

Rajasthan launches free diagnosis scheme today

JAIPUR: A free diagnosis scheme which had been on a trial run since April 1 would be launched throughout Rajasthan in a phased manner from Sunday on the eve of the World Health Day. Under the scheme, patients can undergo 57 free diagnostic tests at government hospitals linked to medical colleges. Another 44 tests would be offered free of cost at district and satellite hospitals. 

The scheme's second phase would start from the Doctors' Day on July 1, when 25 essential diagnostic tests would be available free for patients in government community health centres. In the third and final phase to be launched on Independence Day, the scheme would cover all primary health centres and dispensaries where patients can undergo 15 basic diagnostic tests free of cost. 

Rajasthan had earlier become the first state to launch a free medicine distribution scheme in October 2011. Besides this, the state offers free doctors' consultations along with emergency ambulance services. "There were difficulties in implementing these schemes, but the government is prepared to tackle them; lakhs of people have benefited from our welfare schemes," chief minister Ashok Gehlot said after inaugurating the latest scheme. 

Officials said 8 crore patients have been benefited from the Mukhya Mantri Free Medicines Scheme since its launch on October 2, 2011. Officials said almost two lakh people are taking advantage of the scheme daily. Patients are being provided 400 most essential generic medicines free of cost across 34 district stores and over 16,000 distribution centres. 

Under the scheme, a woman who delivers a girl child at government centres is granted Rs 2,100 cash. The government has promised Rs 2,100 for vaccination. Once the girl turns five, the state would provide the final 'encouragement' amount of Rs 3,100 for education.

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