Funds Dry Up For Health
Till mid -80 budget for health in Punjab was given priority whereas it is shrinking now a days. This has led to poor supply of medicines,diagnostic equipment and man power. Rs.3568 crores have been sanctioned for the year 2017-2018 for health which is around, 4.4% of entire budget. Out of this 80% is consumed in employees salary bill. 4.4% is very low. It should be at least 8%. Availability of essential medicines in Punjab hospitals is 45.2%. It is much below the WHO standard of 80%. A district hospital should offer 160 essential medicines free of cost. Financial Year Spend (%of the total budget) 1. In Year 1971-1972 Budget Was 11.1% 2. In Year1983-1984 Budget Was 10.66% 3. In Year 1993-1994 Budget Was 5.51% 4. In Year 2006-2007 Budget Was 3.72% 5. In Year 2013-2014 Budget Was 5.59% 6. In Year 2016-2017 Budget Was 4.75%