The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated exchange during the 2026-27 budget session over the 'Right to Health' (RTH) Act. " Gehlot asserted that the minister's stance is akin to rubbing salt on the wounds of the poor and middle-class citizens struggling with rising medical costs.
The controversy erupted when Congress MLA Harimohan Sharma raised a query regarding the delay in framing rules for the RTH Act. In response, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar questioned the previous administration's efforts, asking why the rules were left incomplete. This led to a confrontation between the Leader of Opposition, Tikaram Jully, and the treasury benches, highlighting the deep political divide over healthcare legislation.
Heated Debate in the State Assembly
The assembly session saw intense arguments as Tikaram Jully and Gajendra Singh Khimsar traded barbs. The opposition accused the BJP-led government of intentionally stalling a law designed for public welfare. Minister Khimsar countered by questioning the legislative legacy of the previous Congress government, suggesting that the current administrative hurdles were a result of past negligence. The exchange forced a temporary disruption in proceedings as both sides remained firm on their positions.
Gehlot Accuses BJP of Surrendering to Lobbies
In a strongly worded statement, Ashok Gehlot claimed that the BJP government has surrendered to the medical lobby. He emphasized that the Congress government envisioned the Right to Health to ensure that no patient is denied treatment during emergencies, complementing schemes like Chiranjeevi and Nirogi Rajasthan. Gehlot argued that the BJP's reluctance to implement the act demonstrates a lack of commitment toward universal healthcare and the well-being of the common man.
Failure to Frame Administrative Rules
Gehlot further criticized the state government for its inability to establish the necessary rules for the RTH Act. He stated that instead of fulfilling its responsibility, the government is resorting to excuses. According to the former CM, the legislation was intended to protect citizens from exorbitant medical expenses, but the current administration's questioning of the law's necessity undermines the legislative intent and the rights of the people of Rajasthan.
Analytical Perspective on Health Policy
According to political analysts, the ongoing friction over the Right to Health Act reflects a broader ideological battle over social welfare policies in Rajasthan. While the Congress party views the RTH as a landmark achievement of its tenure, the BJP government appears to be reviewing the practical challenges and financial implications of the law. This political tug-of-war is likely to influence the state's healthcare roadmap and the implementation of future medical reforms.