Rajasthan becomes first state to guarantee right to health
Recently Rajasthan has become the first state to pass the Right to Health Bill in the Assembly on 21st March.
The Bill entitles every resident of the state to avail free Out Patient Department (OPD) services and In Patient Department (IPD) services at all public health centres.
Also, similar health services will be provided free of cost in select private health centres.
Key findings –
- This law provides a total of 20 rights to the residents of the state.
- According to the government, the Bill provides for protection of rights and equity in health and welfare under Article – 47 of the Constitution (duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health).
- Also it will secure the right to health as per the expanded definition of Article – 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty).
- The Bill provides for free health services, including consultation, drugs, diagnostics, emergency transport, procedures and emergency care, to be provided in all public health institutions, and select private health centers subject to conditions specified in the rules.
- In addition, all residents will be entitled to emergency treatment and care for emergent emergencies without prepayment of any fee.
Right to Health: Fundamental Right
- It is noteworthy that in Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs Union of India AIR 1984, the Supreme Court held that though the Directive Principles are not binding obligations, and have only motivational value, they must be duly implemented by the State.
- Further, the Court observed that the dignity and health of the individual come within the ambit of life and liberty under Article 21.
Source – The Hindu
