Nadda Calls for Clarity on Health Sector Funding Issues
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Synopsis
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda emphasizes the importance of timely project execution and dispelling misconceptions regarding funding shortages for the health sector. He highlights the need for better utilization of central funds by states to enhance health infrastructure effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Timely project implementation is crucial for effective health funding.
- States need to improve their systems for fund utilization.
- Dispelling the false narrative of budget shortages is essential.
- Utilization certificates play a key role in fund disbursement.
- Central government is committed to improving health services in underserved areas.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The Union Health Minister, J.P. Nadda, on Tuesday highlighted the sluggish pace of spending of central funds by states for enhancing health infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity for prompt project execution and the importance of dispelling the false narrative that there is a budget constraint.
“Our states’ systems need to enhance their efficiency to ensure timely implementation of programs and proper fund utilization, as the utilisation certificate is essential. Once funds are utilized, we will release additional support,” Nadda stated during a response in the Rajya Sabha.
Nadda also urged members to refrain from perpetuating the myth of inadequate funding for the health sector.
Focusing on the insufficient use of central health funds by states, he pointed out that under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), Rs 64,180 crore were allocated, yet states managed to utilize merely around Rs 20,000 crore.
“From the 15th Finance Commission, Rs 70,000 crore were designated for states, but only Rs 27,000 crore were disbursed due to the non-submission of utilization certificates,” he added in response to Congress member Rajeev Shukla, who accused the government of a funding shortfall for the health sector and sought an increase in budget allocations.
Previously, the Minister criticized the Kerala government for an alleged delay in the disbursement of central funds for health, citing inconsistencies in the branding of health centers as Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centres.
In response to a supplementary question from A.A. Rahim of CPI(M), Nadda mentioned, “We have urged the Kerala government to adhere to the guidelines for standardizing the rebranding of health centers as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.”
“Funding will be released promptly once these guidelines are implemented,” he added.
Earlier, Rahim argued that Kerala has been deprived of over Rs 600 crore under the National Health Mission, despite 72 percent of health centers being branded according to central government requirements.
Responding to another inquiry from Sulata Deo of BJD, Nadda confirmed the central government's dedication to enhancing health services in underprivileged regions of Odisha, having approved at least five medical colleges and super specialty blocks in the state.
“Three super specialty blocks have been authorized at Barrackpore, Cuttack, and Barala,” he revealed, announcing his planned visit to the state on April 11.
For the underserved areas, he advised the member to collaborate with district health officials and keep the information updated on the PM-ABHIM portal, which aims at bolstering healthcare infrastructure across the nation.
Deo had inquired if there were intentions to establish more AIIMS and medical colleges to serve tribal populations in South, West, and Coastal Odisha.
