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VOL. 6, ISSUE 1 (2024)
An estimation of public expenditure on health & family welfare in Punjab
Authors
Harjeet Singh, Kulwinder Singh
Abstract
This research paper examines the pattern of
government expenditure on the health and related sectors, particularly family
welfare and child development, by the Punjab state government. The paper delves
into the significance of public spending on healthcare. In India, health is a
state-owned responsibility, and each state allocates funds to the health sector
through annual budgets. The research highlights the current state of public
health spending in India, revealing that private sector spending dominates over
public spending, raising concerns about the potential impact of economic
reforms on public healthcare funding. The study utilizes data on public
expenditure on health in Punjab from 1981 to 2020, classifying it into revenue
and capital expenditure categories. The findings show that the majority of the
health sector budget is allocated to revenue expenditure, covering recurring
expenses like salaries, administrative costs, and maintenance. In contrast, the
share of capital expenditure is significantly lower, accounting for only about
2% on average. The research underscores the importance of increasing the
budgetary allotment to the health sector, suggesting a target of 3% of GDP, up
from the current 2.5%. Global spending on health has shown a significant
increase over the years, reaching 9.8% of the global GDP by 2019. In light of
the growing average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy worldwide, it
becomes imperative for governments to invest more in the health sector to
support the well-being and longevity of their populations. Ultimately, this
research serves as a call to action for the Punjab state government and
policymakers across India to prioritize the health and family welfare sector,
taking into account the potential benefits for public health outcomes, economic
growth, and overall societal well-being. By increasing public spending on
health, governments can better address healthcare challenges, enhance access to
quality medical services, and contribute to the attainment of national and
global health goals.
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Pages:48-55
How to cite this article:
Harjeet Singh, Kulwinder Singh "An estimation of public expenditure on health & family welfare in Punjab". International Journal of Management and Economics, Vol 6, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 48-55
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