In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent incidents such as the Nanded tragedy, the Jan Arogya Abhiyan has taken a bold step by passing a resolution urging the implementation of the ‘Health Care Rights Act’ in Maharashtra. This significant resolution was unanimously adopted during a state-wide Health Rights Parliament, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to enhance healthcare in the region.
The Jan Arogya Abhiyan conducted a series of 8 Health Rights Conferences across districts between October 2023 and February 2024. The culmination of these conferences resulted in the formulation of a manifesto for public health rights, which was officially unveiled at the Health Rights Parliament. Key issues from the manifesto were discussed with political party representatives in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 elections.
A comprehensive 10-part report card on the state’s health status was presented to the public during the Health Rights Parliament. Key figures such as Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan State Coordinator Ulka Mahajan, Congress Party State Spokesperson Sachin Sawant, and others presented the report card, shedding light on the existing health challenges in the state.
Dr. Abhay Shukla emphasized the failure of the central government in addressing health issues over the last decade and presented the 10-point health manifesto as an opportunity for radical change. Political parties, including the Communist Party of India and the Nationalist Congress Party, expressed their commitment to addressing health issues in their party manifestos for the upcoming elections.
The Jan Arogya Abhiyan emphasized the need for people’s active participation to implement the manifesto, holding the government accountable for its failures in health, education, and employment. The Health Rights Parliament concluded with a call for collaboration between social movements and political parties to collectively address health issues.
The Tenets of the Right to Health:
- Legal right to healthcare with guaranteed free, quality service in government clinics and hospitals.
- A two to two-and-a-half times increase in the healthcare budget.
- Corruption-free, accountable, and participatory health system.
- Regularization of contract workers, fair wages, conducive working environment, and a Health Manpower Policy.
- Free and guaranteed provision of all necessary medicines in government health services.
- Respectful service for everyone with special attention to those with special needs.
- Improved health initiatives for disease prevention, particularly for specific diseases.
- Protection of patients’ rights, cancellation of privatization policy, and closure of private hospitals as deemed arbitrary.
- Development of a ‘universal health care’ system, allowing free treatment in regulated private hospitals alongside government services.
- Multi-dimensional initiatives to reduce illnesses and promote overall health for all.
