The Gujarat government has introduced Jan Arogya Samitis in urban regions and revamped existing Rogi Kalyan Samitis to bolster primary healthcare services and boost public involvement through the Ayushman Bharat program. This initiative aims to upgrade transparency and community engagement in the state’s healthcare sector. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya highlighted that the Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir centers will serve as comprehensive healthcare hubs, offering various services including preventive, curative, and palliative care.
The Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been operational since 2021, with one center serving a population of 20,000 to 25,000, thereby enhancing healthcare accessibility in Gujarat. Jan Arogya Samitis will now be established in urban areas, with local body ward members as chairpersons and medical officers as member secretaries. The government has allocated untied funds to ensure operational autonomy at the Urban Primary Health Centre and Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir levels.
These committees will have significant female representation to address maternal and child welfare concerns and will include members from various communities and groups. Special invitees such as TB champions, cancer survivors, and Persons with Disabilities will also be part of the committees. Monthly meetings of the Jan Arogya Samitis will be conducted with detailed records maintained, aiming to resolve local healthcare issues promptly.
State Health Minister Pansheriya highlighted the formation of Jan Arogya Samitis at sub-health centers and the restructuring of Rogi Kalyan Samitis, expressing optimism that these changes will lead to improved healthcare quality and faster issue resolution.
