In a major boost to healthcare access, the Rajasthan Health Department has significantly expanded the network of the Rajasthan Govt Health Scheme (RGHS). The department has now empanelled more than 1,720 hospitals, bringing comprehensive cashless medical services closer to lakhs of beneficiaries across the state and even outside its borders.
Wider Network, Greater Access for Beneficiaries
A key highlight of this expansion is the inclusion of 40 hospitals located outside Rajasthan into the RGHS fold. This strategic move is set to provide immense relief to scheme members who require specialised treatments that may not be available within the state. The expansion directly benefits a wide range of individuals covered under RGHS, including ministers, MLAs, former legislators, All India Services officers, and both serving and retired employees of the state government and its autonomous bodies.
Officials confirmed that all RGHS beneficiaries can now avail cashless treatment at any of these empanelled hospitals. The treatments will be provided as per the package rates of the Central Govt Health Scheme (CGHS), in strict alignment with the medical rules applicable to their specific RGHS category. At present, the scheme provides comprehensive medical coverage to approximately 37.6 lakh registered family members.
Comprehensive Coverage and Crackdown on Misuse
The RGHS offers an extensive range of medical services to its beneficiaries. The coverage includes:
- Indoor patient department (IPD) services
- Daycare procedures
- Outpatient department (OPD) consultations
- Diagnostic tests and medicines
While aggressively expanding facilities, the health department has also tightened its monitoring mechanisms to prevent any misuse of the scheme. A senior official from the department revealed robust enforcement actions, stating, "To make the RGHS facility more transparent and efficient, from April 2025 till now, 159 approved private hospitals were suspended from the scheme, with their IDs blocked, and five hospitals were de-empanelled."
Ensuring Transparency and Recovery of Funds
The official further detailed the financial penalties imposed as part of this crackdown. After due hearings, penalties amounting to Rs 26.1 crore were imposed, out of which an impressive Rs 25 crore has already been recovered. Currently, action is underway against 65 private hospitals that remain suspended from the scheme.
Operated by the state government, RGHS is designed to provide seamless, cashless medical services to its vast pool of beneficiaries. The department has affirmed its commitment to continue strengthening the RGHS network while ensuring strict compliance with all rules and regulations to safeguard the interests of every beneficiary.
