The Jan Arogya Abhiyan (JAA), Maharashtra has pointed out gaping loopholes in the soon-to-be-operational Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Arogya Yojana (RGJAY), which aims to provide free healthcare in the state. The scheme, with a budget projected to be above `800 crore annually, is said to be the single largest public-private-partnership (PPP) in the history of Maharashtra’s health sector.
According to JAA activists, the RGJAY, is on the lines of the Rajiv Arogyasri Scheme, which failed miserably, when implemented in Andhra Pradesh. “Experiences of the Arogyasri scheme in Andhra Pradesh have taught us bitter lessons. We need to learn from these lessons and implement health system changes in a manner, which would integrate improved delivery of primary, secondary and tertiary care, and would be focused on strengthening the public health system,” Dr Anant Phadke of JAA said.
As per the provisions of the RGJAY, certain sophisticated tertiary level services will be provided absolutely free to families with an income of less than `1 lakh per year. “By focussing entirely on tertiary care, the RGJAY has the potential to affect the health system at the primary and secondary level in a negative manner, in the future,” JAA activists claimed. The JAA has suggested equal additional funds to strengthen and expand basic care from primary health centres to district hospitals, so that a repeat of the Rajiv Arogyasri Scheme is avoided.
The JAA has also demanded that a broad-based public debate be organised by the government concerning the impending Jeevandayi scheme, and chan-ges/improvements be made taking into account recommendations from health activists.