New provision in RGHS policy leaves docs worried over practice

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) has introduced a new provision requiring private hospitals to have at least two permanent doctors in each specialty. This change has raised concerns among doctors who fear it will impact their practice, while social organisations argue that any move benefiting patients is welcome.
Chhaya Pachauli from Jan Swasthya Abhiyan supports the government's measures, stating that hospitals should ensure regular doctor presence to provide proper care for patients under RGHS.However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA-state branch) opposes the changes, arguing that doctors should be allowed to work in multiple hospitals and not be restricted to one hospital or district.
Dr Sunil Chugh, immediate past president of IMA-state branch, highlighted that the requirement for two consultants in each field on permanent payroll could drastically increase expenses for hospitals offering multi-specialties. The IMA has appealed to the state government to provide relaxations on other changes made in RGHS, such as allowing new hospitals to be eligible for empanelment and not making it compulsory for hospitals to register under the Clinical Establishment Act (CEA) until rules have been framed.
The IMA-state branch has also called for the establishment of an effective grievance redressal mechanism, pointing out the inadequacies of the current system. They emphasise the need for a robust framework that addresses their concerns and provides timely resolutions through a transparent process where appeals are acknowledged, investigated, and resolved promptly.
The debate surrounding the RGHS highlights the need to strike a balance between ensuring quality patient care and addressing concerns of healthcare providers.