Karnataka must raise health spending, fill vacancies and expand facilities, says report on assessment of public health facilities

A report urges Karnataka to increase health spending, fill vacancies, and enhance facilities for improved public healthcare access.

A preliminary assessment of public health facilities in Karnataka has called for higher budgetary allocation, filling of vacant posts and expansion of infrastructure in underserved districts.

The report, prepared by Health for All Forum – Karnataka using data obtained under the Right to Information Act, 2005, reviews the status of health sub-centres (HSCs), primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs) and general hospitals in selected districts.

The report has urged the State government to increase health expenditure to 10% of the total Budget, strengthen primary healthcare and sanction new facilities based on Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms and updated population estimates.

It has recommended a Statewide recruitment drive to fill all sanctioned posts on a permanent basis and reduce reliance on contractual appointments.

The recommendations are placed in the context of the Karnataka State Integrated Health Policy, which envisaged higher public spending and equitable access to quality healthcare.

Pointing to a rise in both communicable and non-communicable diseases in recent years, the assessment stated that in Yadgir district, hypertension cases treated at public facilities more than doubled between 2021-22 and 2024-25. Diabetes cases rose by over 50% during the same period.