Punjab Health Department Allocates Rs 26.5 Crore to Tackle Diagnostic Supply Shortages
In a significant move to address operational challenges and prevent patient suffering due to shortages of essential diagnostic supplies, the Punjab health department has sanctioned over Rs 26.5 crore. This funding is specifically earmarked for the procurement of laboratory reagents, X-ray films, and payments to empanelled ultrasound service providers across the state.
Funding Details and Distribution
The funds have been released through the National Health Mission (NHM) to meet immediate requirements and projected needs for the upcoming six months. District health societies have been directed to carry out procurement strictly under the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Rules, 2022, ensuring that the money is used solely for its intended purpose.
According to the official order, districts with the highest projected requirements include:
- Ludhiana: Rs 2.76 crore
- Hoshiarpur: Rs 2.54 crore
- Mohali: Rs 1.92 crore
- Bathinda: Rs 1.42 crore
- Sangrur: Rs 1.27 crore
- Ropar: Rs 78.99 lakh
- Nawanshahr: Rs 73.27 lakh
- Gurdaspur: Rs 66.17 lakh
Addressing Operational Challenges
The order highlights several operational challenges in various districts that have been limiting service delivery in government hospitals. These include:
- Shortage of lab technicians and radiographers
- Damage to equipment due to recent floods
- Non-functional X-ray machines
To ensure efficient utilization of funds, civil surgeons have been instructed to clear payments to empanelled ultrasound service providers within 15 days of receiving bills. The order explicitly states that no payments shall be made in cash, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Strict Guidelines and Compliance Measures
District health societies and concerned facilities must adhere to strict guidelines while using these funds. Key directives include:
- Using funds strictly as per NHM guidelines, state finance department rules, and the 15th Finance Commission recommendations
- Maintaining separate records of expenditure
- Submitting utilization reports separately to the state headquarters
- Refunding any excess or unutilised funds
The order makes it clear that funds must not be diverted for any other purpose. Any violation will invite strict disciplinary action under the Punjab Punishment and Appeal Rules, 1970.
Specific Expenditure Protocols
Expenditure on laboratory reagents and X-ray films will be made under the Diagnostics Support component of the Hub and Spoke Model, as per state government guidelines issued on September 13, 2025. Additionally, civil surgeons have been directed to ensure that no liabilities prior to September 1, 2025, are cleared from these funds, maintaining fiscal discipline and proper allocation.
This comprehensive initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve diagnostic services, and ensure that patients receive timely and accurate medical care without disruptions caused by supply shortages.
