Medak district may lose Rs. 6 crore for not properly implementing the conditionalities being imposed by the National Health Mission (NHM).
The NHM has framed new guidelines aimed at extending better services at needy locations. Under this, rational deployment of specialists – especially gynaecologists, anaesthetists and trained doctors in teams at appropriate facility is essential. If more than 20 per cent of any category posted in other facilities a penalty of up to 5 per cent would be imposed and the amount would be deducted from the RCH pool. It is also mandatory for the State government to furnish these details.
Similarly, another 5 per cent would be cut from the pool if postings of appropriate service personnel at delivery points according to the level of facility. This includes posting of ANMs, gynaecologist, anaesthetist and paediatrician.
The State has to introduce Human Resource Information Management System (HRIS) for regular and contractual staff in a manner that salary bill is generated through the HRIS web portal, which ensures that the HR deployment information remains updated. Gaps in introduction of HRIS may lead to reduction in outlay of up to 10 per cent of NHM funds.
The performance measurement system has to be put in place to monitor functioning of regular and contractual staff failing which a penalty of 5 per cent would be imposed. Any lapse in implementation of Janani Sishu Suraksha Karyakramam (JSSK) will attract 10 per cent penalty with variations of different issues like gaps in the monthly report that would be submitted to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
However, for responsiveness, transparency and accountability, the NHM has been offering an incentive of eight per cent and for quality three per cent. It was also ready to increase the amount by 5 per cent if the State Government increases its budget in health sector.
“The conditionalities were meant for improving conditions where they were practically needed. Many of the norms were not yet met as per NHM guidelines and Medak may lose Rs. 6 crore out of the Rs. 40 crore allocated under the scheme,” said an officer in the health department on condition of anonymity.
