Raj plans freedelivery of meds at residences ofsenior citizens

Jaipur: The health department has drafted a proposal to deliver medicines free-of-cost for senior citizens. The service known as ‘Dawa Apke Dwar' is designed to ensure continuous and accessible medical care for people over 60 years who have chronic health issues.

The state govt is already providing medicines under its free medical schemes from drug distribution counters in govt hospitals, and the free delivery scheme will be integrated as part of it. The proposed home delivery of medicines will benefit elderly patients suffering from conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, and those needing geriatric care, palliative treatment, or support services.

Approximately 69 lakh residents are aged 60 and above in the state, and access to medicines poses a significant challenge.

Many elderly people with chronic conditions have difficulties reaching medical facilities due to the state's vast geographical expanse and limited mobility.

Explaining the proposal, a health department official said, "After a patient visits a medical practitioner for consultation, prescription details are uploaded to a dedicated portal or mobile app integrated with e-Aushadhi. Selected vendors or delivery personnel will prepare and dispatch medicines. Delivery completion will be verified through a one-time password system."

According to the draft, prescriptions can be issued by certified medical professionals, govt hospitals (including medical officers or through the Sanjeevni e-portal), with medical officers in-charge or community health officers to authorise delivery. Pre-packed medicines will be delivered directly to recipients based on prescriptions.

Delivery staff will obtain medicines from designated locations, including district drug warehouses, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, satellite hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres. An IT-based system or mobile app will be developed to manage records, schedules, monitoring, and tracking.

The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the crucial need for doorstep healthcare services, particularly for the vulnerable elderly population. Building on similar successful initiatives, ‘Dawa Apke Dwar' aims to enhance healthcare accessibility for the ageing population through technology and efficient distribution systems, ensuring convenient access to essential medicines, an official said.