Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Reviews Health Budget Implementation, Calls for Timely Execution and Strong Monitoring

Jaipur, Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring quality healthcare reaches every village and hamlet of Rajasthan so that every citizen remains healthy. He noted that in the very first state budget, 8.26% of the total allocation was earmarked for the health sector. To strengthen the medical infrastructure, the government announced the upgradation of health centers and establishment of new hospitals. He instructed officials to prioritize locations based on greater need so that maximum people benefit, while setting strict deadlines for construction-related works and monitoring progress regularly.

Sharma was chairing a review meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office on Sunday regarding pending health and medical education budget announcements for 2024–25 and 2025–26. He said that alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Healthy and Prosperous India,” the state government is working with determination to make Rajasthan a leader in healthcare. He added that with over 6.2 crore ABHA IDs generated, Rajasthan ranks second in the country, and more than 1.68 crore ABHA-linked e-health records have already been created through health camps.

RUHS to be Developed as RIMS
The CM informed that Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) is being upgraded into the Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, with an investment of ₹750 crore in phases. He directed officials to accelerate designing and planning so the project is completed on time.

Curbing Misuse of RGHS
Sharma stressed that the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), meant for employees and pensioners, has now been brought under the Health Department to ensure transparency. He ordered strict action against misuse and directed the use of technologies like AI and fraud detection software to identify irregularities.

Free Medicines for the Elderly
Highlighting another budget promise, Sharma said that free medicines will be provided at home to senior citizens above 70 years of age. This initiative will begin as a pilot project in one district before being expanded across the state.

Recruitments in Health Sector
To strengthen healthcare, the CM said continuous recruitments are being made along with infrastructure development. Recently, 1,699 medical officers were appointed. He instructed officials to prepare detailed plans for upcoming vacancies so that retiring staff can be replaced quickly.

The CM also reviewed repair and maintenance works of district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, and other health centers. He emphasized quality standards and availability of medicines and essential facilities in CHCs and PHCs.

The meeting was attended by Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, and senior officials of the Health and Medical Education Departments.