E-Paper
Health department needs 1,000 cr to build hospitals
The state government has failed to construct 11 rural hospitals, 15 primary health centres (PHC) and more than 200 sub-centres across the state due to lack of funds to Health Department.
The state government has failed to construct 11 rural hospitals, 15 primary health centres (PHC) and more than 200 sub-centres across the state due to lack of funds to Health Department.
In a presentation before the cabinet on Wednesday, the department demanded aid of more than Rs 1,000 crore for setting up health care centres, and complete ongoing constructions, while the alloted fund is of only Rs 182 crore.
“We need more funds for on going constructions of hospitals and health care centres. Also funds are required to fulfil the packages awarded to various regions such as Marathwada and Konkan,” said Health Minister Suresh Shetty.
The figures in the presentation report stated, about Rs 800 crore are required to complete on going constructions of hospitals and PHCs and also building new structures.
For dilapidated buildings Rs 155 crore are needed and Rs 80 crore for a nursing school.
In total, 46 rural hospitals of 385, 137 PHC of 1,816 and 664 sub-centres of 10,580 are under construction.
There are 120 PHC buildings that are 30 years old and in dilapidated state, the presentation report said.
“Chief Minister Ashok Chavan was positive over the demand for funds for the Health department and instructed to complete on going works within a year on a priority basis,” Shetty said.
The CM also asked the Secretaries from Planning and Finance Departments to sanction funds announced for the regions through supplementary demands, he added.
