Experts believe that Punjabs health budget, which has grown by 11%, needs to be revised to fix the system since long-term neglect of the rural hospitals has worsened the problem.

The state government has ideas for addressing the scarcity of personnel, facilities, supplies, and equipment. Just Rs 39 crore of the Rs 4,781 billion budgets was set aside by finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema to upgrade all secondary healthcare facilities, including hospital facelifts. At the same time, 363 medical officer (specialist) and 470 medical officer positions were filled (general).

The government has proposed spending Rs 100 crore to construct trauma centers at the Government Medical College in Amritsar and the Rajendra Hospital in Patiala, in addition to a nursing college at Thikriwal village in the Barnala district. The Homi Bhabha Cancer Centre will receive Rs 40 crore for cancer treatment and the upgrading of drug management facilities, while Rs 61 crore is proposed for the operation of 24-hour emergency services, Rs 17 crore for the purchase of PET scan and SPECT CT machines, and Rs 16 crore for the construction of seven maternal and child health (MCH) wings and the upgrading of five.

 (Source:  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/booster-shot-to-health-weak-dose-for-systemic-ailments/articleshow/98555990.cms)