Bureaucratic blues: Rajasthan’s healthcare workers struggle with changing policies

In Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district, grassroots health workers experience unique challenges in the face of constantly changing policies. The health security scheme in the state, previously named Chiranjeevi Yojana, has been replaced by the Ayushman Health Insurance Scheme (AHIS). AHIS cards are now being issued. Earlier, one Chiranjeevi Yojana card would be made for a family, but now a separate card is made for each family member, increasing the paperwork for community health workers.

The transition from one card to another, which is also the responsibility of frontline healthcare workers, comes with an array of complications. In some cases, Aadhaar cards are not up to date. Often, the name and date of birth listed on the Aadhaar card differ from those on the bank account. At times, these details differ between documents such as Aadhaar card and Jan Aadhaar card. Due to such discrepancies, eligible individuals face difficulties in connecting to government schemes. Many are unaware of these issues until repeatedly informed by us. This causes document delays, preventing people from benefitting from the schemes. As a result, we face mistrust from the community.

Tara Sharma is an auxiliary nurse and midwife (ANM) in Chittorgarh. Rameshwar Sharma works with Prayas, a Chittorgarh-based nonprofit that focuses on health.

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