Jaipur, March 26 (NationPress) Former Health Minister Raghu Sharma has critiqued the Rajasthan government for hindering important health initiatives and allowing the state’s medical infrastructure to decline.

He claimed that several significant projects initiated during the previous Congress administration are still unfinished, leading to inadequate healthcare services statewide.

Concerned about the decline in helium supply, which is vital for MRI scans, he questioned the government’s readiness amid global tensions, asking what contingency measures are in place to prevent supply interruptions.

He stated, “Helium is essential for MRI scans and is imported. Given the current geopolitical tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, what strategies has the Rajasthan government developed to mitigate potential supply issues? The public deserves to know the government's proactive plans to guarantee a consistent supply.”

Sharma further emphasized that while the government boasts about increased budget allocations, it should clarify how many new medical seats and super-speciality facilities have been established under the current BJP administration compared to the previous Congress government.

He urged the government to reveal whether sufficient numbers of doctors, nursing staff, and paramedical personnel are available in medical colleges, associated hospitals, and district hospitals according to the National Medical Commission guidelines, and to present a clear strategy to address any shortages.

Sharma argued that despite lofty promises, the current administration has not significantly expanded medical seats or super-speciality facilities, unlike the Congress government.

He pointed out a severe lack of doctors, nursing staff, and paramedical personnel in medical colleges and district hospitals, noting that many district hospitals have been reduced to mere referral centres with drastically cut staffing.

He highlighted the financial strain within the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme, saying, “The allocated budget for 2025-26 is Rs 250 crore monthly, while actual claims reach Rs 330 crore. With only Rs 960 crore disbursed so far and Rs 750 crore pending from last year, totaling Rs 1,710 crore in arrears, how can the scheme operate effectively?”

He raised alarm over irregularities, noting instances where dubious establishments, even operating from cattle sheds, are filing claims worth Rs 20 lakh, while reputable hospitals receive significantly lower claims.

He insisted that such cases warrant immediate investigation and stricter oversight.

Criticizing the management of the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme, he pointed out the widening gap between allocated funds and actual spending, outstanding dues, and alleged anomalies in claim processing.

He cautioned that without prompt corrective measures, essential services could be jeopardized.

Referencing the previous Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot, Sharma remarked that Rajasthan had once set a benchmark in healthcare through initiatives such as free medicines, diagnostics, and cashless treatment, but asserted that the current BJP administration is diminishing these advancements and neglecting public health priorities.

He concluded by stating that the vision for a “Nirogi Rajasthan” led to pivotal developments like the Right to Health law, which he claimed the current government has failed to implement.