Though the budget allocation for the health sector this fiscal (2012-13) has been raised by Rs 963 crore, not many new projects have been introduced. The budget allocation for the Department of Health and Family Welfare is Rs 3,391 crore for 2012-13 as against an outlay of Rs 2,428 crore in 2011-12. Some importance has been given this year to check the Infant Mortality Rate, which is an important indicator of the socio-economic development of a region.
Going beyond the 13 districts in two revenue divisions of Gulbarga and Belgaum, the Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme will be extended to two more revenue divisions, thereby covering the entire State. A Health Information Helpline will be set up in 2012-13 for the first time. “Getting accurate information on health related issues has always been a far-fetched idea in terms of primary health care. Considering this fact, the Helpline would be very helpful,” commented Mr Rajen Padukone, CEO, Manipal Hospitals.
Though the government has been urging one-year compulsory rural service for MBBS undergraduates and post-graduates, it had failed to pick up. Enactment of legislation in 2012-13 will make the one-year service rule mandatory immediately after completion of the course. “This will create a win-win situation for MBBS students who will never again get a chance to serve the real India once they complete their course,” according to Mr Padukone. The AYUSH Department's share of new projects consists of establishing 15 AYUSH hospitals during the year 2012-13. An exclusive policy for promotion of the pharmaceutical sector in a holistic way will be formulated.