Marking the second anniversary of the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government in Rajasthan, the state's health department unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives on Monday aimed at significantly upgrading public healthcare services. The announcements target critical areas from non-communicable diseases to maternal health and hospital infrastructure.
Major Screening Campaigns for Cancer and Blood Disorders
In a significant move, officials launched a campaign focused on identifying cancer at an early stage. The department plans to roll out an intensive screening drive for breast, cervical, and oral cancers, along with diabetes and hypertension, under the Arogya Shivirs program by March 31.
To tackle blood-related disorders prevalent in tribal regions, a dedicated hemoglobinopathy screening campaign for sickle cell disease and thalassemia will be initiated for children across all government schools in tribal areas.
Eye Care for Students and Anaemia Combat for Pregnant Women
Addressing vision impairment among young students, the health department will launch an eye examination and free spectacles distribution programme for pupils of government schools. This initiative aims to remove a key barrier to learning.
For combating anaemia in expecting mothers, the department announced a special ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) injection campaign for pregnant women. This is expected to provide a more effective treatment for iron deficiency.
Strengthening Infrastructure Through Public-Private Partnerships
The government has actively pursued partnerships to enhance hospital facilities. Key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed include:
- The handover and operation of an ultra-modern medicine wing built by the Moondra Charitable Trust, Mumbai, at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Hospital in Bikaner.
- An agreement with the Arogya Seva Foundation for constructing resting places for patients and their families on government hospital premises.
- Collaboration with private organisations for operating cancer screening vans to improve outreach.
- A pact with the Rajasthan State Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) to establish food courts within hospitals.
- An MoU with the Apna Ghar organisation to provide healthcare services to destitute patients.
This multi-pronged announcement reflects the state government's focused approach to addressing both preventive and curative healthcare needs, leveraging partnerships to bridge infrastructure gaps on its second anniversary.
