Issue
In Rajasthan, the right to health for all is recognised in recent legislation. However, implementation of the policy has been hindered by lack of public awareness of its provisions as well as more fundamental structural problems that hinder access to adequate healthcare services.
How we are helping
This project aims to strengthen community engagement to promote effective implementation of the Right to Health Act, establish a model of action for replication in remote rural and tribal areas and enhance healthcare access in Rajasthan.
About the project
In 2023, Rajasthan became the first state in India to pass legislation explicitly recognising the right to health and guaranteeing healthcare for all. However, rural and tribal communities continue to face significant health disparities owing to gaps in implementation and lack of public awareness. Tribal districts such as Banswara and Pratapgarh are particularly affected, with women and marginalised groups facing the most severe consequences, including high maternal mortality rates and inadequate access to reproductive health services.
Project partners, Consumer Unity and Trust Society, will support the effective implementation of the Right to Health Act and that of related health schemes by empowering communities to advocate for their rights and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery.
This will be achieved by:
- Conducting a research study to identify gaps in health schemes using the Citizens’ Report Card methodology.
- Raising awareness through district-level campaigns and community outreach programmes.
- Establishing citizen oversight committees to monitor healthcare delivery and advocate for improvements.
- Facilitating community-service provider dialogues to address challenges and improve relationships.
- Convening a state-level dissemination meeting with policy-makers to present findings and policy recommendations.
As a result of the project, it is hoped that communities will be equipped to demand better healthcare services and hold service providers accountable. By increasing public awareness, it will improve the utilisation of health schemes and foster trust between citizens and healthcare providers. Policy recommendations will provide actionable insights for state-level implementation and replication in other regions, contributing to systemic improvements in access to healthcare.
Project Partners
The Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that works to promote social justice and economic equity. CUTS conducts research, advocacy, and networking to promote consumer protection, international trade and human development. The organisation provides access to developmental opportunities for the poor and aims to achieve consumer sovereignty.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
