Status and Infrastructure of the Health Sector in Karnataka

Abstract

Karnataka is closer to the average of India in case of health status and health facilities, but compared to the states like Kerala, it stands too low. The most striking problem, related to the health infrastructure and health status arises out of the regional imbalance. The study shows that the Gulbarga and Belgaum divisions of Karnataka show a poor status in health infrastructure and health status. Among these, the Gulbarga division (means Hyderabad Karnataka) lies in the lower position. It is well known that Hyderabad Karnataka is underdeveloped in most of the sectors compared to the rest of the regions. Lesser health infrastructure facilities in this region clearly indicate the neglect of the government intervention/ interest to develop basic infrastructure facilities in this region. For better health, health facilities should be improved. For better health facilities, public health expenditure is very important. At present, the Karnataka government is spending very less amount of money on health, which is about 2 per cent of the NSDP. This amount has to be increased. Increasing the public expenditure alone, cannot serve the purpose, unless it is properly used for delivering quality infrastructure and good service mechanization.