State’s healthcare system suffers critical gaps, says CAG report

State’s healthcare system suffers critical gaps, says CAG report 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.01.2025

Bengaluru : From a shortage of medical professionals to undelivered equipment and inadequate budget allocation, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has uncovered several shortcomings across multiple areas of Karnataka’s healthcare system. The audit report, tabled in the recent winter session of the state legislature, covers the period from 2016-17 to 2021-22. It reveals a severe shortage of medical professionals, with taluk hospitals operating at 45% below the required staffing levels of Indian Public Health Standards. This deficit is particularly acute in services such as general surgery and anaesthesia, leading to increased pressure on existing medical staff in secondary healthcare facilities.

The CAG findings also reveal that infrastructure and equipment deficiencies plague the system: The state faces a critical shortage of ICU beds, while many taluk hospitals lack functional operating theatres, compromising their ability to provide surgical services. Adding to these concerns, equipment valued at over Rs 95 crore remains undelivered. The audit identifies serious issues in drug management and procurement. Karnataka lacks a “documented” procurement policy for essential medicines, resulting in shortages, particularly in emergency services. 

The report also flags discrepancies in drug quality testing, noting six instances where results from the drug controller conflicted with empanelled laboratory findings. Maternal and infant healthcare services face particular challenges, with shortages in both personnel and essential medications. These deficiencies pose increased risks for premature infants and their postnatal care, as per the report. Scrutinising the financial aspects of healthcare management, the report finds that the state’s health sector received an average budget allocation of nearly 4.3% of total state spending during the review period, falling short of National Health Policy recommendations. Health expenditure as a percentage of gross state domestic product remained between 0.6% and 0.8%, significantly below prescribed benchmarks. The report also noted concerns about the  proper utilisation of allocated funds.