India’s first right-to-health bill introduced by Rajasthan state government

Highlights:

• The Rajasthan government is soon likely to introduce in the Assembly the Right to Health Bill- the first of its kind in India-which aims to commit to quality and affordable health care services through government and private health care providers.
• In January, the government had prepared a draft bill that defines the rights of patients, their attendants and health care providers, as well as a system for addressing grievances of the stakeholders. 

• According to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, all necessary provisions in the bill should be included in the interest of patients.
• The right to health was promised by the Congress in its 2018 Assembly election manifesto. 
• Soon after coming to power, the chief minister made consultations on the proposal, but the Covid pandemic stalled the process. 
• However, the government published the draft bill on March 8 and invited feedback from shareholders.
• The right to health bill is part of the Rajasthan government’s bid to expand and strengthen medical services in the state. 
• Recently, the chief minister approved Rs 117 crore towards expansion of the facilities in Mahila Chikitsalaya (women's hospital) at Sanganeri Gate in Jaipur.
• The state has also ensured health security of every family by providing free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh to the people through Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana. 
• Along with this, an accident insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh is being given to the families registered in the scheme.
• Also, medicines and tests of the patients coming to government health facilities are being provided free of cost.