Hindu Editorial Analysis : 5-September-2024
The Union Budget’s allocations for health sector initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Human Resources for Health and Medical Education (HRHME), play a vital role in improving healthcare in India. However, the success of these initiatives heavily relies on how well they are implemented at the State level. This essay explores the key issues affecting these health programs and suggests a way forward.
Key Issues Pertaining to Health Initiatives
Low Fund Utilisation
One major problem is the low utilisation of funds allocated to these schemes. For example:
- In PM-ABHIM, only 29% of the funds were used in the 2022-23 financial year.
- Similarly, HRHME also saw low fund absorption.
Factors contributing to this issue include:
- Complex Grant Structures: The way funds are organized can be confusing, leading to delays.
- Overlapping Funding Streams: Multiple funding sources often lead to inefficiencies.
A notable statistic is that only 45% of health grants from the 15th Finance Commission were utilised, showcasing systemic inefficiencies.
Construction Delays
Another challenge is the delays in construction related to these schemes. Rigid procedures and administrative hurdles often slow down progress, negatively impacting fund absorption rates.
Faculty Shortages
There is a significant shortage of teaching faculty in newly established medical colleges, especially in Empowered Action Group (EAG) States like Uttar Pradesh. Here, about 30% of teaching positions remain vacant. This issue is even more pronounced in rural areas, where:
- Two-thirds of specialist positions in Community Health Centres (CHCs) are unfilled.
Fiscal Constraints at the State Level
States are responsible for the recurring costs of maintaining health infrastructure built under PM-ABHIM and HRHME. As the Union government’s support for human resources is limited until 2025-26, states need to prepare for long-term financial commitments. Creating fiscal space is essential for sustaining these health initiatives and meeting future costs.
Way Ahead
To address these challenges, several steps can be taken:
- Address Human Resource Shortages: Filling vacancies for teaching faculty and specialists is critical for effective healthcare delivery.
- Improve Fund Utilisation: Better public financial management at both State and central levels can enhance implementation.
- Long-term Financial Planning: States must plan for the ongoing costs of maintaining health infrastructure, ensuring sustainability beyond 2025-26.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Expanding health services beyond urban areas is crucial for addressing regional health disparities.
Why In News
The Union Budget’s allocations for health sector initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Human Resources for Health and Medical Education (HRHME), depend heavily on State-level implementation, making it crucial for state governments to actively engage in these programs to ensure their success and effectiveness in addressing local healthcare needs.
MCQs about The Importance of Health Sector Initiatives in India
- What percentage of funds was utilized in the PM-ABHIM during the 2022-23 financial year?
A. 45%
B. 29%
C. 60%
D. 75%
- What is a major reason for the low fund utilization in health sector initiatives?
A. High public demand
B. Complex grant structures
C. Excessive funding
D. Lack of interest
- Which state was mentioned as having a significant shortage of teaching faculty in newly established medical colleges?
A. Maharashtra
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
- What is a suggested solution for addressing health infrastructure challenges?
A. Reducing funding
B. Expanding infrastructure beyond urban centers
C. Limiting faculty recruitment
D. Shortening the duration of medical programs
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