In a landmark move for healthcare access, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday launched the Outbound Portability feature under the state's flagship Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana. This initiative makes Rajasthan the first state in India to allow its residents to avail cashless medical treatment in hospitals located in other states.
A Pioneering Step in Healthcare Portability
The announcement was made during the state-level women's conference held at Pachgaon in Dholpur, part of the events marking the completion of two years of the state government. The Outbound Portability scheme effectively removes geographical barriers for beneficiaries, ensuring they can seek specialized treatment anywhere in the country without the burden of upfront payment.
Chief Minister Sharma emphasized that this move is a significant leap towards realizing the vision of accessible and equitable healthcare for all citizens of Rajasthan. The integration with the national Ayushman Bharat framework facilitates this seamless interstate portability.
Women's Empowerment Central to Development Vision
Addressing the conference, CM Sharma positioned women's empowerment as the cornerstone of holistic state development. "The dream of holistic development can be fulfilled only through the empowerment of women, which comprises half the population," he stated.
He reiterated his government's commitment, saying, "Our government has given top priority to women's safety and empowerment. Our double engine government is continuously taking decisions for women's upliftment through its policies and schemes." Sharma expressed strong confidence that women will play a pivotal role in achieving the long-term goal of 'Developed Rajasthan 2047'.
Major Direct Benefit Transfers Disbursed
The event also served as a platform for the direct transfer of substantial funds to beneficiaries across multiple welfare schemes via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The Chief Minister personally initiated the transfer of:
- Rs 1,100 crore to 91 lakh pensioners under various social security pension schemes.
- Rs 103 crore to 5.9 lakh beneficiaries under the Palanhar Yojana.
- Rs 2.5 crore to 5,000 students under the Chief Minister Higher Education Scholarship Scheme.
- Rs 15 crore to 1.5 lakh students under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST students.
In a significant boost for women entrepreneurs, loan assistance cheques worth Rs 100 crore were distributed to 5,000 'Lakhpati Didis' through the Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi. Additionally, tablets were provided to Lakhpati Didis, Krishi Sakhis, and Pashu Sakhis to aid their work.
The government further demonstrated its focus on education and inclusivity by distributing bicycles to school-going girls and scooters to specially-abled persons during the programme.
The launch of interstate cashless treatment portability, coupled with the massive financial empowerment drive, underscores the Rajasthan government's multi-pronged strategy to enhance social security, healthcare access, and economic independence, with a special emphasis on women-led development.
