Jaipur, 28 October. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state is focusing on strengthening maternal and child health services and providing accessible, quality care to the public. In this regard, Principal Secretary V. Srinivas highlighted reducing maternal mortality as a key health challenge and directed timely medical care for pregnant women and newborns. He stressed making various state‑run health services available to the public and all needy persons.
On Wednesday, Shri Srinivas chaired the 20th Governing Body meeting of the Rajasthan State Health Society under the National Health Mission at the Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the physical and financial progress of the National Health Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM‑Abhim) and compliance with decisions from the previous meeting.
The Principal Secretary directed further effective operation of 108 ambulances and 104 Janani Express services and strengthening medical services at community health centres. He emphasized effective implementation of the Ma Voucher scheme and ensuring benefits reach eligible recipients.
Shri Srinivas instructed ensuring operational theatres at community health centres and upgrading theatres at high‑patient‑load institutions to modular theatres. He stressed prioritising continuous availability of maternal and newborn health services.
The Principal Secretary, focusing on primary health services, directed increased utilisation of PHCs and CHCs. He specifically mandated availability of specialist OPD, IPD and surgical services at CHCs and SDHs, and regular operation of theatres.
The Principal Secretary directed linking sub‑health centres effectively with ASHA workers. He said better community‑health institution linkages would help people access necessary examinations, treatment and other health services. He also stressed effective implementation of the TB‑free campaign and, with UNICEF, planned awareness and outreach activities to broaden programme reach and community participation.
Chief Governing Secretary Mrs. Gayatri A. Rathod of the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare detailed various efforts to reduce maternal mortality. She explained ANC, identification and monitoring of high‑risk pregnancies (HRP) and arrangements to connect pregnant women with suitable medical institutions. She also highlighted various innovations undertaken by the department.
Dr. Jogaram, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, presented progress of various health programmes. He showcased achievements in maternal and child health, immunisation, TB elimination, Ayushman Aarogy Mandirs, free screening services and health infrastructure development.
He noted that, per the SRS 2022–24, Rajasthan’s maternal mortality ratio is 87 per 100,000 live births. In FY 2026–27 up to September, 89.4% of pregnancies were registered before 12 weeks and coverage of four ANC visits was 91.79%. The state has 12,478 Ayushman Aarogy Mandirs operational. In 2025, 6,547 TB‑free Gram Panchayats were reported.
For NHM in FY 2026–27, total resources of about ₹4,278 crore were earmarked, and progress on construction and strengthening of health institutions under PM‑Abhim was reported.
At the meeting, Additional Principal Secretaries for Tribal Development (Kunjilal Meena), Urban Development & Housing (Alok Gupta), Social Justice & Rights (Dinesh Kumar), School Education (Rajesh Kumar Yadav), Chief Governing Secretary for Public Health Engineering (Hemant Kumar Gera), Chief Governing Secretary for Medical & Health & Medical Education (Mrs. Gayatri A. Rathod), Chief Governing Secretary for Finance (Vaibhav Galaria) and Chief Governing Secretary for Ayurveda & Indian Medicine (Subir Kumar) along with relevant officials were present.
Esha/Priyanka