Question : Unspent Health Fund

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the increase in unspent health fund by the States have come to the notice of Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years, State/UT-wise particularly West Bengal;

(c) whether some of the States have also been found to be diverting funds earmarked by the centre for health sector to other areas; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government to discontinue such practice in future?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): No, the overall unspent health fund by the States has not increased. The Government has been monitoring the unspent balances and in certain States where unspent balances are more, no funds or reduced funds are released to States under National Health Mission (NHM). As a result of no release or reduced release, the unspent balances eventually get reduced with the booking of expenditure on progressive basis. However, as evident from the annexed Statement, there is a trend of reduced unspent balances in the last 3 years.

(b): A statement showing State/UT wise unspent balances under NHM during the last three years is enclosed as Annexure.

(c) & (d): The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report on Performance Audit of NRHM for the period from 2011-12 to 2015-16 has pointed out certain instances of diversion of Central funds under NHM to State specific schemes for health. The CAG audit report was immediately shared with the States for necessary action in this regard. The States have been asked to desist from such practice as Ministry did not support the same.