(a) whether it is a fact that the expenditure by the Government sector both Centre and the States on the health sector would be double over the next ten years as per the draft of a new National Health Policy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is also a fact that the States were not in a position to improve their healthcare system on their own; and
(d) if so, the manner in which the Union Government are planning to help the State Governments?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. C.P. THAKUR)
(a)&(b): According to the draft National Health Policy, 2001 it is proposed to increase the health sector expenditure from 5.2% of GDP with 0.9% Government contribution to 6% of GDP with 2% from Government by 2010. The health sector expenditure by centre and states is proposed to be increased from the present level of 15% and 5.5% to 25% and 8% of the total budget respectively by 2010.
(c)&(d): States are making efforts to improve the health care system but the total investment on health has remained rather low. Union Government is helping the State Governments by providing financial and technical assistance to control major diseases like TB, Malaria, AIDS, Blindness and Leprosy. For this purpose, assistance is also availed from bi-lateral and multi-lateral agencies. State Health Systems projects are also under implementation in selected States with WHO assistance.
Strengthening of primary health system by providing essential drugs under Central Government funding through decentralized health system and setting up of an organized two-tiered urban primary health care structure with its funding to be jointly borne by the Centre, State Governments and local self Governments, are the new initiatives envisaged in the draft National Health Policy, 2001.