Port Blair, Sept. 10: The per capita public expenditure on health estimated from Economic Survey 2011-12 (both Central and States combined) during the last three Years under Plan (inclusive of Centrally Sponsored Schemes) and Non- Plan is as follows: 2009-10 -  Rs. 759.00 Crores. 2010-11 - Rs. 882.00 Crores and 2011-12 - Rs. 954.00 Crores, said the Minister of Health & Family Welfare in reply to the question raised by the Member of Parliament Shri Bishnu Pada Ray.

The Minister, Shri Gulam Nabi Azad said that though private health expenditure in the country is not centrally maintained as per economic Survey 2011- 12, the Expenditure by Government (Central and State Government Combined) on the health as percentage of GDP, during 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 is 1.35, 1.35 and 1.30 respectively. This includes expenditure on medical and public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation. As per World Health Statistics 2012 brought out by world Health Organization (WHO), the private expenditure on health as percentage of GDP is estimated at 2.93 per cent in 2009 for India.

Azad further said that health care in India comprises of a mix of both public and private sector. While the private sector is generally guided by the profit motive, the underlying sentiment of the public health system in India is to provide accessible, affordable and accountable health care with special focus on the rural population. As per Economic Survey 2011-12 , the expenditure on health by Centre and States combined has increased from Rs. 88050 crore in 2009-10 Rs. 115,426 crore in 2011- 12 (BE). Public outlay on health is inter- alia dependent on the  overall resource availability of the Government, competing sectoral priorities as also the absorptive capacity of the system.

“Health is a State subject with States responsible for providing healthcare to their population. However, to strengthen the hands of State Governments, central funding is provided under National Health Programme”, the Minister said.

Azad also explained that National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is the flagship programmes, launched in 2005 to strengthen health system including augmentation of infrastructure and human resources to provide accessible, affordable and accountable health care in rural areas with special focus on marginalized and vulnerable population.

“Since the inception of the Mission, Central funding to the tune of Rs. 71086.23 crore has been provided (upto July, 2012) to the States/ UTs. Under NRHM, about 1.50 lakh health human resources have been added, which includes, 66552 ANMs, 32915 Staff Nurses and 14913 paramedics in States to fill in critical gaps. Over 8.66 lakh ASHAs have been engaged under the Mission to address preventive and promotive care and to act as a link between community and health facilities. As on march 2012, 20634 new construction have been sanctioned for renovation of health facilities”, the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, GoI added.