Question : MEDICAL FACILITIES IN RURAL AREAS

(a) whether the per capita expenditure on Medical facilities in rural areas of Rajasthan particularly Western Districts is much less in comparison to other States;

(b) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to provide better medical facilities to rural people of Western Rajasthan;

(c) the funds allocated for Health and Family Welfare schemes/programmes for Rajasthan during the each of the last three years;

(d) whether the funds have been utilised properly as per guidelines issued by the Union Government; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a) The State of Rajasthan lags behind some of the states in as much as per capita Government expenditure on health is concerned.

(b) Implementation and Management of the national agenda for Family Welfare is primarily a State subject. The Centre provides technical and financial assistance in all critical areas, in order to ensure regular outreach to all segments of the population. The Government have already launched a number of special projects and progarmmes like Reproductive and Child Health Programme, India Population Project, State Health System, projects, Area Projects and several others.

(c) to (e) Under the National Family Programme the State Government of Rajasthan was given an amount (in cash and kind) of Rs.9476.69 lacs (1997-98), 11180.84 lacs (1998-99) and 17545.57 lacs (1999-2000) respectively.

The State Government also utilizes the funds provided in the Basic Minimum Service (BMS) Programme and also the Additional Central Assistance to BMS under the State Sector Plans for strengthening the Primary Health Care Services.