Calls for Higher Budget Allocation and Recruitment Drive
A recent healthcare assessment in Karnataka has highlighted the urgent need for increased public spending, large-scale recruitment, and expansion of primary healthcare facilities to address the state’s growing disease burden. The findings stress that without immediate corrective measures, the existing public health infrastructure may struggle to cope with rising patient loads.
Study Based on RTI Data
According to reports, the study was prepared by the Health for All Forum using data obtained under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The assessment reviewed the condition of Health Sub-Centres (HSCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and general hospitals across selected districts in Karnataka.
Focus on Infrastructure and Human Resources
The report emphasised that underserved regions require not just improved infrastructure but also adequate human resources. It noted that many facilities are operating below capacity due to staff shortages, affecting service delivery at the grassroots level.
Recommendation to Raise Health Spending to 10%
One of the key recommendations is that the state government should increase public health expenditure to 10% of the total state Budget. The forum argued that enhanced financial allocation is essential to meet the objectives outlined in the Karnataka State Integrated Health Policy, which envisions equitable access to quality healthcare.
Expansion in Line with IPHS Norms
The assessment also called for sanctioning new facilities in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms and updated population estimates. It stressed that healthcare infrastructure expansion must reflect demographic growth and changing health needs.
Statewide Recruitment Drive Proposed
Highlighting the shortage of permanent staff, the report recommended a statewide recruitment drive to fill all sanctioned posts permanently. It cautioned against excessive dependence on contractual appointments, which often lead to instability and service disruptions.
Rising Disease Burden in Districts
The findings pointed to a sharp rise in both communicable and non-communicable diseases. In Yadgir district, hypertension cases treated at public facilities more than doubled between 2021-22 and 2024-25, while diabetes cases increased by over 50% during the same period. This surge has placed additional strain on primary and secondary healthcare systems.
Funding and Staffing Crucial for Equitable Care
The report concluded that without adequate funding, filled vacancies, and infrastructure expansion aligned with IPHS norms, the goal of equitable and quality healthcare will remain difficult to achieve. It echoed concerns long raised by public sector doctors about the need for systemic strengthening of Karnataka’s healthcare framework.
