The Rajasthan Government today claimed over 4.4 crore patients have benefited from its free generic medicines scheme so far since its launch last year, according to a PTI report.
Under the scheme, which was launched on October 2, 2011, 414 most essential drugs and surgical instruments are being provided free of cost to all Government hospitals and health centres across Rajasthan.
“More than 4.40 crore patients have benefited so far under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme. There is a 40 per cent increase in the number of patients being admitted to Government hospitals after launch of the scheme,” a press statement in Jaipur said.
A Budget provision of Rs 200 crore was made in the year 2011-12 and Rs 300 crore in 2012-13 for the scheme, it said. There are 14,964 drug distribution centres in the State from where generic medicines are being distributed free of cost, the report added.
