Private hospitals halt OPD pharmacy benefits over pending dues; Health Minister assures resolution
Jaipur: In a major development impacting healthcare access in the state, the Rajasthan Alliance of Hospital Associations (RAHA) has announced the suspension of cashless medicine distribution at OPD pharmacies in private hospitals, citing long-pending dues from the government.
The decision threatens to disrupt services under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), a flagship initiative that enables beneficiaries to access medicines without upfront payment.
Services Halted Over Payment Delays
According to RAHA representatives, the move comes after repeated delays in reimbursement payments, which have made it financially unsustainable for private hospitals and pharmacies to continue offering cashless medicines.
The association had earlier informed the Rajasthan State Health Assurance Agency (RSHAA) through a formal letter, warning that unless immediate relief was provided, services would be suspended starting 8:00 AM on Wednesday.
Officials stated that the decision was taken under “extremely stressful circumstances,” with mounting operational challenges due to unpaid dues over several months.
Health Minister Says ‘Unaware’, Promises Action
Responding to the development, Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said he had not been informed about the suspension.
Speaking during a press interaction at SMS Medical College on the occasion of World TB Day, the minister said, “I am unaware of this; my officials have not informed me about it. I will resolve this issue by speaking with them.”
Government Acknowledges Financial Strain Under RGHS
Khimsar also highlighted the financial challenges faced by the RGHS scheme, stating that it had been incurring heavy losses even before the Health Department assumed control from the Finance Department in 2025.
He added that the government has managed to reduce the losses significantly, bringing them down to approximately ₹700 crore. “We will not tolerate any kind of loss,” he asserted, indicating stricter financial oversight going forward.
Uncertainty for Patients and Hospitals
The suspension of cashless medicine services is expected to affect thousands of beneficiaries relying on RGHS for affordable treatment. With negotiations yet to yield results, both patients and private healthcare providers now face uncertainty over the continuation of essential OPD pharmacy services.
The situation underscores the growing tension between private healthcare stakeholders and the state government over timely reimbursements and the sustainability of public health schemes.
