IndiaPost.com - Par panel 'dismay' over health programs delay

NEW DELHI: Even as the Center is busy announcing new health schemes, a Parliamentary Committee has expressed "dismay" over the government not launching around 12 health programs scheduled to take off in 2007-08.

Every year, the Health Ministry announces new schemes, and programs, many of which are without finalizing the modalities and proper ground work, thereby resulting in under or no utilization of funds, the Parliamentary Committee on Health, headed by senior Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, said in its report.

Some of the programs, scheduled to take off in 2007-08, which have not been launched are the Pilot Project on Prevention and Control of Human Rabies, Medical Rehabilitation, National Organ Transplant Program and the Oral Health program.

The Committee recommends to the department to enhance its efforts to complete all necessary formalities and launch the programs at the earliest so that funds do no get blocked in such schemes. It also found fault with the fact that the department had taken large scale construction work under PMSSY or giving grants to states for up gradation of redevelopment plans.

It asked the government to take care of the eco-friendly part of the whole exercise. Taking note of the acute shortage of dialysis machines, it asked the authorities to work out modalities for establishing specialized kidney centers immediately and in the meantime approach the Planning Commission for funds with a proposal to improve dialysis facility in the country.