States want more funds for health mission

The rural health mission, which envisages district-wise tailor-made healthcare, will begin in April next year — even as most affected states have voiced their displeasure over the current status of health infrastructure and funds allocated for the programme.

Admitting this at a press conference, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said: ‘‘All states have welcomed the proposal but they want more money.’’

Concerns have been voiced by health ministers of 17 states, including Empowered Action Group states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, J-K, Assam and the Northeastern states.

The monetary demands from states like Bihar, UP and Rajasthan range between Rs 500 crore-Rs 800 crore. An official of the Health ministry said: ‘‘It is not about demanding money but the capacity to take the money and utilise it.’’