Rajiv Aarogyasri, a government initiated health insurance scheme (working on a public-private partnership model) launched in 2007 by the former Chief Minister late Y S Rajasekar Reddy, is one of the successful government endeavors ever for sustainable provision of health cover for people living below poverty line. This scheme was covering nearly 930 procedures, which included the most complicated surgeries like the heart and kidney to the minor ones like the appendicitis, was a blessing in disguise for the poor. The scheme was bestowed for private hospitals, where equipment and qualified personnel, were adequate and abundant. An insurance agency was roped in to take care of the expenses by the then government. Initially there were some lapses but with more than 12,000 personnel monitoring this scheme round the clock it was a grand success.
But the man behind this mammoth exercise which had conducted nearly 10 lakhs operations in its four year tenure, under this set up, was Babu Ahmed, IAS officer. Not many would have known him unless one has worked under him. Mr.Ahmed is now Joint collector in East Godavari District. And his asset was his adamancy to stand up against any political pressure, a trait liked by YSR. The officer was specially called by the CM to take charge as the CEO of the health initiative. And his subordinates would definitely call him a workaholic. He was sanctioning grants for patients till 4am and monitoring operations from 9am. When was he taking rest, was a million dollar question that puzzled all his staff.
After the political turmoil that took over, following the sad demise of YSR, even the health initiative had undergone rapid changes, especially post Chief Minister Rosaiah. Probably such a capable officer was not needed in running the initiative could have been the thought by the ruling party, who had transferred him to the East Godavari Collectorate. Or does this mean that he did not pay heed to the leaders’ pressure, is yet to be established. But once a scheme adored by the World Health Organization, who wanted this to be implemented globally, has turned out ornamental, now. (With inputs from the internet – AarKay)
