After Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) finding loopholes in its ‘The Performance Audit of Reproductive and Child Health under National Rural Health Mission’ (NRHM) for the year ended March 2016, BJP leader Anurag Thakur has written to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and claimed of finding critical lacunae in the performance of state health department in maintaining people’s healthcare.
Anurag Thakur said that Himachal Pradesh had received Rs. 134.91 crores for 538 works which were not completed and neither did the money come back to the exchequer. Whereas, 48 works worth Rs. 18.25 crores have been delayed, 22 works worth Rs. 12.47 crores are pending since last three years. Additionally, the state government blocked funds worth Rs. 19 crores. He wrote
“Himachal Pradesh is said to have no Mobile Medical Units. Moreover, many Public Health Centres are functioning without a doctor, while on the other hand some PHCs have more doctors than required as per Indian Public Health Standards. Rural Health Statistics of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare point to a shortfall of 305 physicians, surgeons and pediatricians. 87 positions for Block Extension Educator at PHCs remain vacant.”
Citing CAG report, Thakur wrote that due to shortage of doctors and trained staff several equipments were lying idle. Delay in replenishment of drug kits and non-availability of ASHA kits has also been noticed in Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, there is said to be shortfall in Folic Acid tablets, he further added.
Thakur also raised question over the seriousness of the health department in bringing accountability and transparency to citizens and claimed the CAG has no adequate computerization and recording facilities digitally in Himachal Pradesh.
BJP leader asked Chief Minister to rectify the flaws immediately and come up with a comprehensive report on overhauling the health sector of our Himachal Pradesh and make the state healthy and happy.
