Punjab’s Health Infrastructure Crisis: Unveiled by CAG Reports

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the previous Congress government of degrading the state's health infrastructure and local bodies. Citing CAG reports, major issues included staff shortages, equipment inadequacies, uneven doctor distribution, and financial mismanagement, impacting public health and the management of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Punjab's health infrastructure faces a severe crisis, attributed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to the previous Congress government's neglect. On Tuesday, Cheema presented Comptroller and Auditor General of India's (CAG) reports revealing the deficiencies in health services and local governance.

The CAG reports highlight alarming issues, such as a 50.69% vacancy rate in health positions and mismanagement of public funds. Institutional births in public facilities remain low, signaling an over-reliance on private care due to inadequacies in public health services.

Staff shortages in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies further exacerbate the governance issues, with only 13 out of 29 functions devolved. Financial mismanagement has resulted in unutilised funds and delayed central grants, worsening the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)