CAG Report Unveils Healthcare Personnel Shortage and Procurement Flaws in Chhattisgarh

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified significant gaps in government healthcare staffing and irregularities in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment in Chhattisgarh. The CAG's performance audit report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services for the year ending March 2022 was presented in the state assembly on Friday.

Shortage of Healthcare Personnel

The report revealed a 34% overall shortage of healthcare personnel, with only 25,793 staff against a sanctioned strength of 74,797. Although the doctor-to-population ratio improved to 1:2492 between 2016 and 2022, it still fell short of the WHO benchmark of one doctor per 1,000 people and the national ratio of 1:1456.

In 23 district hospitals, there was a shortage of specialist doctors by 33%, medical officers by 4%, and paramedics by 13% against the sanctioned strength. In 172 Community Health Centres, there was a shortage of specialist doctors by 72% and general doctors by 15%. Additionally, in 4,996 Sub Health Centres, 17% of auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) posts were vacant.

Procurement Irregularities

The Chhattisgarh State Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSCL) was established in 2010 to centralise the procurement and supply of drugs, medicines, and equipment. Despite this, local purchases accounted for between 26.79% to 50.65% of total procurement from 2016 to 2022. Equipment worth Rs 49.68 crore was purchased without ensuring necessary infrastructure, leading to idling.

Drugs worth Rs 23.98 crore were procured from blacklisted firms during this period. The Health and Family Welfare department spent Rs 3,753.18 crore on drugs, medicines, and equipment from 2016-22.

Government Response

Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal responded to the CAG report by stating that the current BJP government has initiated recruitment processes for healthcare personnel. He also mentioned that an investigation into some procurement irregularities has been launched. "This report covers the period up to 2022, not the last six months of our government," he said.

The uneven distribution of doctors across districts was another issue highlighted in the report. Posts were not sanctioned uniformly based on population, leading to disparities under the Directorate Health Services.

In some Sub Health Centres (SHCs), no ANMs were posted at all, resulting in a lack of maternity services for pregnant women. Specifically, in 502 SHCs, there were no ANMs available to provide necessary care.

The CAG's findings underscore the need for better management and distribution of healthcare resources in Chhattisgarh. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving public health infrastructure and service delivery in the state.

The report's revelations have prompted calls for immediate action to rectify these shortcomings and ensure efficient use of resources in Chhattisgarh's healthcare system.