Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot. | Photo credit: The Hindu
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday (March 23, 2026) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of neglecting the state’s health infrastructure, leading to its collapse and weakened systems. Mr Gehlot said there were delays in treatment and shortage of essential medicines in hospitals.
“It is extremely alarming that the current government is dismantling the world-class health model put in place by the Congress government,” Mr Gehlot said in a post on X. He said key public health systems have deteriorated, affecting the treatment of thousands of people.
Due to pending payments under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), private hospitals were once again preparing to suspend OPD and pharmacy services, which would put government employees and pensioners in a difficult situation, Mr. Gehlot said.
The Congress leader pointed out that the acute shortage of blood in Jaipur’s major hospitals like Sawai Man Singh Hospital and Zanana Hospital has created a medical emergency that could be life-threatening for patients.
While demanding that the state government lift restrictions on private blood banks, Mr Gehlot mentioned his recent visit to Chaks near Jaipur where he met a 108-year-old resident of Goluram Mali. “Villagers have expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP government and expressed anger over stalled plans in every sector, including medicine and health,” he said.
Mr. Gehlot regretted that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma started making personal remarks about him at public events whenever he raised such public issues through social media. “The government should respond to public complaints and take immediate corrective measures to improve the deteriorating situation on the ground,” he said.
Published – 24 March 2026 04:15 IST
