Jaipur, Aug. 30 -- The Rajasthan government has tightened prescription and reimbursement rules under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) after an investigation found that junior residents and other personnel were signing prescriptions without authentication by empanelled doctors. Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Gayatri Rathore said the investigation revealed that prescriptions issued to some RGHS beneficiaries had been prepared and signed by junior residents or other staff members. In several instances, the documents were not subsequently verified or authenticated by the RGHS-registered medical practitioner responsible for the patient's treatment. Under the new directives, every prescription must be personally examined, verified and authenticated with the signature and seal of the empanelled doctor concerned. RGHS Project Officer Nidhi Patel said hospital staff may assist doctors in preparing prescriptions, recording clinical details or entering data in accordance with institutional rules. However, final responsibility for the patient's clinical findings, diagnosis, medicines, diagnostic tests and course of treatment will rest with the empanelled doctor. The directives prohibit junior doctors, hospital employees and other personnel from signing or authenticating prescriptions on behalf of the treating physician. Prescriptions that have not been verified and certified by the doctor concerned will be treated as non-compliant during the scrutiny of RGHS reimbursement claims. Such violations may also invite action under RGHS guidelines and the conditions governing hospitals' empanelment. All hospitals empanelled under the scheme have been directed to implement the revised rules immediately and ensure strict compliance....