Raj to distribute 200 more drugs for free

Rajasthan has decided to distribute 200 new generic drugs free of cost at government-run hospitals to benefit millions of patients in the state under a popular health initiative.

Under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme launched on October 2 last year, 414 most-used drugs and surgical instruments are available at 14,964 distribution centres in government health centres, dispensaries and hospitals across the state.

The programme has so far benefitted over 44 million patients and the state government recently sanctioned an additional budget of Rs 11 crore to bring another 200 drugs and surgical instruments under it.

“The free medicine scheme has got a good response. We plan to make it more beneficial by adding 200 new generic drugs and surgical instruments,” said chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

Two of the most common diseases for which free medicines are provided are hypertension and diabetes.  Also available are antacid and analgesic drugs.