Official finds lapses in implementation of cash incentive schemes

Officials and staff of taluk-level government hospitals were taken by surprise when they saw Atul Kumar Tiwari, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, on the hospital premises in the last two days.

The official was here in connection with the monsoon session of the legislature. But he took out time to visit hospitals under the department in Savadatti, Sankeshwar and Gokak.

Mr. Tiwari wanted to take stock of the facilities and functioning at these hospitals. He also interacted with a few patients, sources told

The Hindu on Friday.

The official came across lapses in extending benefits under schemes such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana under the National Rural Health Mission, which is aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates by promoting institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. A cash incentive of Rs. 700 is given to pregnant women belonging to Below Poverty Line families and those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes at rural health centres. However, there had been a delay in the payment of the incentive for want of funds.

A senior official in the department said Mr. Tiwari directed the officials against delaying the payment owing to lack of funds. He advised them to utilise the funds available under other heads if they fell short of the amount sanctioned for implementing the scheme.

Also, he advised the officials to hold monthly meetings with workers engaged under the Arogya Kavacha scheme .