12th Plan aims for universal healthcare: Azad

Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday that the main focus for 12th Five Year Plan is to move towards universal healthcare. He, however, cautioned that concerns have been expressed about the capacity of the state governments to utilize the available resources.

The implementation of schemes rests with the states and UTs (union territories). Therefore, it is essential for all states and UTs to build their capacity to timely utilize the available funds, Azad said inaugurating a two-day conference of state health ministers here.

I would strongly urge all the state health ministers and state secretaries to closely monitor the financial progress and utilize the funds effectively and expeditiously, he said. The two-day meeting would deliberate on review of health programmes under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), discussion on regulatory issues as also medical education and medical human resource concerns.