Thousands of government pensioners in Rajasthan are facing a severe crisis as the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) faces a major functional breakdown. Reportedly, the cashless treatment and medicine distribution services under the scheme have been halted in several areas, leaving elderly patients in a state of distress.Why has RGHS Service Stopped?The primary reason behind this sudden disruption is the non-payment of outstanding dues to private hospitals and medical stores.Unpaid Dues: Many empanelled pharmacies and hospitals claim that the government has not cleared their bills for several months.Supply Chain Break: Due to the financial crunch, medical store owners have expressed their inability to provide free medicines to RGHS cardholders, stating that they can no longer sustain the credit-based system.The Plight of PensionersFor many retirees who depend entirely on their monthly pension and the RGHS facility for chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, blood pressure, and heart conditions), this halt is a major blow.Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Pensioners are now being forced to pay cash for life-saving medicines that were previously covered under the scheme.Protests Looming: Various pensioners' associations in Jaipur and other districts have expressed their anger, demanding immediate intervention from the state government to restart the services.What the Government Says?While the administrative officials are working to resolve the technical and financial bottlenecks, there hasn't been a definitive timeline provided for the full restoration of services. The health department is reportedly in talks with the treasury to release a portion of the funds to appease the vendors and hospitals.How to Check Your RGHS Status?If you are a cardholder facing issues, it is recommended to:Contact Helpdesk: Reach out to the official RGHS helpline for any updates on empanelled stores in your area.SSO Portal: Check your RGHS wallet and transaction history through the Rajasthan SSO portal to ensure your account is active.
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