Critical Shortages in Gujarat's Health Sector Exposed

The CAG of India has highlighted significant deficiencies in Gujarat's healthcare sector, noting shortages in staff and infrastructure. The report urges the state to fill vacant posts and increase budget allocations to meet National Health Policy targets. Critical services like emergency and pathology care are also partially available.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has cast a spotlight on the critical deficiencies plaguing Gujarat's healthcare sector, including widespread staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure.

Despite efforts to recruit nearly 10,000 healthcare personnel over the past six years, significant vacancies remain, particularly among specialist doctors and nursing staff. The CAG report reveals alarming statistics, with 51% of specialist doctor posts in sub-district hospitals unfilled.

In addition to human resource constraints, the report underscores the absence of a comprehensive health policy in Gujarat and calls for increased budget allocations to meet the National Health Policy's recommendations, urging the state government to bolster both manpower and services in crucial areas like emergency care and intensive care units.

(With inputs from agencies.)