Important Facts of the News
- The 17th Central Common Review Mission team assessed health services in Rajasthan.
- The team inspected facilities in Jhunjhunu and Nagaur from 31 October to 7 November.
- State schemes highlighted: Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Yojana, Ma Voucher Yojana, Ramashray Ward Yojana, Free Medicine and Test schemes.
- Ma Voucher Yojana has benefited around 3 lakh women so far.
- Pink Fortnight programme is helping address anemia among pregnant and lactating women.
- Seven Days Seven Bed Sheets practice is being followed for maternal hygiene in hospitals.
- Mission Madhuhari is contributing to Type-1 diabetes care and non-communicable disease control.
- Integrated dashboard is improving coordination between schools and health facilities.
- Central team appreciated dental services and stroke care facilities in the state.
- Team suggested filling vacant health staff positions and strengthening reagent supply systems.
Rajasthan’s Health Initiatives Recognized as Effective Models
Several public health schemes and innovations implemented in Rajasthan have been acknowledged as effective models that are now being followed in other parts of India. These observations were highlighted during the review conducted by the 17th Common Review Mission team of the Union Ministry of Health. The team carried out a detailed assessment of health services in Jhunjhunu and Nagaur districts from 31 October to 7 November.
Feedback Presented in Review Meeting
A feedback briefing session was held at the State Health Directorate under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore. During the session, the review team presented their findings through a detailed presentation. The team appreciated the delivery of health services, the implementation of public welfare schemes and the innovation-driven approach adopted in Rajasthan.
Public Health Schemes Praised for Impact
Principal Secretary Rathore noted that the central review delegation examined multiple services under the National Health Mission and would be submitting their final report to the Union Ministry. She stated that the state would take forward the suggestions for improvement and continue strengthening services at district and grassroots levels.
Ma Voucher Scheme Proves Helpful for Maternal Care
The team highlighted the Ma Voucher Scheme as an encouraging initiative. The scheme provides free sonography services to pregnant women in remote and rural regions, including at private centers where necessary. So far, around 3 lakh women have benefited through this initiative.
Anemia Prevention Efforts through Pink Fortnight
The Pink Fortnight campaign, conducted across the state for anemia control among pregnant and lactating women, was also appreciated. The programme includes administration of ferric carboxymaltose injections to patients in need. The practice of providing mothers with seven differently colored bed sheets for seven days after childbirth was recognized for promoting hygiene and comfort.
Improved Coordination and Community Health Indicators
The review team acknowledged the role of integrated digital dashboards in supporting supervision of home-based newborn and young child care, as well as in linking schools and health centers through initiatives like Shala Darpan and the Kaleva programme. Mission Madhuhari was highlighted as a positive step in managing Type-1 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases at community and facility levels.
Suggestions for Strengthening Services
The review team recommended further steps such as digitizing reagent supply systems under free test services and filling vacant positions of health personnel. These measures, they noted, could enhance the efficiency and accessibility of health services across the state.
Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Mission Director NHM Dr. Amit Yadav, RMSCL Managing Director Pukhraj Sen, Additional Mission Director Dr. T. Shubhamangla, IEC Director Shaheen Ali Khan, State Health Assurance Agency CEO Harji Lal Atal, Director Public Health Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma and other senior officials. Health officers from Jhunjhunu and Nagaur also joined via video conferencing. The review team included senior advisors and officers such as Dr. B.S. Charan, Dr. Anuradha Monga, Shweta Roy, Moh. Murshid, Priyadarshi Dash, Smita Mishra, Dr. Yogesh Kumar Jain, Dr. Dheeraj Meghwal, Dr. Deeksha Verma, Dr. Shubhkant Behera and Dr. Kishor A. Gavli.