Jharkhand Prioritizes Health Spending, Sets October Deadline

Alka Tiwari, the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, has mandated that all Deputy Commissioners ensure the expenditure of 50% of the health funds allocated through the 15th Finance Commission by mid-October. This directive was given during a review meeting on Monday that focused on the spending of health funds from the 15th Finance Commission. The Chief Secretary stated during the review meeting that the state’s claim for the remaining Rs 1020.27 crore from the Center can be made only after 50% of the funds have been spent. She instructed the Deputy Commissioners to adopt a mission-oriented approach and formulate action plans to monitor progress. Tiwari also directed the activation of healthcare facilities in existing buildings, procuring necessary resources from the headquarters, and mandated weekly reviews. During her state visits, she observed that many health centers had been constructed but lacked operational services, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the completed infrastructure. Additionally, the Chief Secretary instructed Deputy Commissioners across all districts to provide and operationalize essential facilities, ensuring that the public has access to health services. They were also instructed to make payments for completed construction and update data. The Deputy Commissioners were told to contact relevant departments to resolve issues and to use technical staff assigned to districts for successful and timely implementation. The Deputy Commissioners informed the Chief Secretary that while work was slightly delayed due to rain, the target of spending 50% of the health funds by October 15 would be met. The 15th Finance Commission funds, totaling Rs 1344.08 crore, are being utilized to establish Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), BPHUs, UAAMs, and under the PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana across the state. This includes the development of diagnostic infrastructure in urban and rural areas. Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, instructed Deputy Commissioners to collaborate with Circle Officers to select construction sites. He emphasized the importance of coordinating with supply and health officials on KYC procedures for Ayushman Bharat Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Abua Swasthya Suraksha Yojana beneficiaries. He also directed the payment of dues for HSCs, PHCs, and CHCs. Plans to construct an additional 168 health centers in remote rural and tribal areas were also announced. Deputy Commissioners must identify locations and submit proposals within 15 days. The establishment of 948 health sub-centers is also planned.