Performance Audit of Dispensaries for the Welfare of Backward Areas in Chhattisgarh (1997-2002)

Abstract

The scheme aimed at providing medical facilities to predominantly tribal areas of the state. Though an amount of Rs.17.90 crore was spent in two years (2000-02) the development of health infrastructure in these areas was far from satisfactory inasmuch as even the first phase of construction of Community Health Centres (CHCs) were not completed resulting in nonextension of radiological/ operation facilities etc. Acute shortage of specialists prevailed in District Hospital (DH) (20-65 per cent) and in CHCs (28 to 60 per cent) resulting in low percentage of bed occupancy in CHCs. Twenty eight per cent Primary Health Centre (PHC) remained without doctors. Some of the significant observations are as under: 1. The budget provision fell short by 53 per cent of the actual requirement. 2. For providing basic medical care in rural areas only 114 Community Health Centres were established as against the requirement of 170. 3. 4 hundred beded hospitals and one upgradaded (hundred to three hundred) bed hospital remained incomplete after incurring an expenditure of Rs. 3.90 crore. 4. Extra cost of Rs 19.61 lakh was incurred on irregular purchase of medicines. 5. Minimum and Maximum stocks of life saving medicines for prevention of epidemics were not fixed. Store keepers were not trained in inventory control. 6. Under Jeevan Jyoti Scheme expenditure incurred was not commensurate with physical performance.