Delhi’s Unspent Huge Budget: CAG Exposes Rs 510.71 Cr Ladle of Unused Funds, Leave Alone a Healthy Delhi!

March 1, 2025 2 Min Read

Delhi’s Health Mission Under Scrutiny: CAG Report Reveals Widespread Lapses

A scathing report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has thrown the Delhi State Health Mission (DSHM) into the spotlight, revealing a plethora of issues that have hindered the implementation of the National Health Mission (NHM) in the national capital. The report, tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Friday, highlights a multitude of problems, including inadequate fund utilization, staff shortage, and poor execution of important schemes.

Unutilized Funds Totaling 510.71 Crore Lie Idle in Bank Accounts

The CAG report reveals that Delhi failed to utilize funds released under the NHM, with a staggering 510.71 crore lying idle in bank accounts of the Delhi State Health Society and its 11 Integrated District Health Societies as of March 2022. This fund underutilization ranged from 58.90% in 2016-17 to 93.03% in 2019-20, indicating the Delhi government’s lack of commitment to implementing the program adequately.

Staff Shortage: A Recipe for Disaster

The report also exposes a severe staff shortage, with 36% of the posts under NHM remaining vacant as of March 2021. This includes crucial positions such as Medical Officers (29%), Nurses (27%), Pharmacists (27%), Lab Assistants (43%), and Counsellors (86%). The absence of psychiatrists and the failure to appoint medical professionals have further exacerbated the issue.

Delays in Fund Releases and Procurement

The report highlights numerous instances of delay in releasing funds from the state treasury to DSHM, responsible for executing programs under the NHM. The Delhi government failed to demand a budget from the DSHM, resulting in a lack of funds for implementation. Even the Central government’s release of Rs 62 lakh under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme in 2019-20 remained unutilized.

Key Findings:

Rs 510.71 crore lying unspent in bank accounts of DSHM and its 11 Integrated District Health Societies as of March 2022.
Underutilization of funds ranged from 58.90% in 2016-17 to 93.03% in 2019-20.
36% shortage of staff for implementing NHM schemes in the state.
Crucial positions, including Medical Officers, Nurses, Pharmacists, Lab Assistants, and Counsellors, remained vacant.
No psychiatrists were appointed under the DSHM.
Procurement of two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances for infant transportation was delayed, with funds approved in August 2018 but not released.

Conclusion:

The CAG report paints a dismal picture of the Delhi State Health Mission, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and accountability. It is essential for the government to address these issues and ensure the effective implementation of the National Health Mission to improve the health and well-being of the people of Delhi.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-health-mission-did-not-utilise-funds-rs-510-71-cr-unspent-cag-report-9862230/

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-health-mission-did-not-utilise-funds-rs-510-71-cr-unspent-cag-report-9862230/
Category : Cities,Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-03-01 05:05:00