Centre plans audits to keep a tab on proper use of NRHM funds

• In the wake of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam that surfaced in Uttar Pradesh, the Centre is planning to conduct regular audits across the country to check whether the NRHM funds were properly utilised.
• This is of utmost importance as NRHM has been extended for another five years during the 12 five year plan. A National Urban Health Mission is also being planned.
• Pointing out that the audits would be easy to conduct, the health Ministry had a list of all hospitals and healthcare facilities run by the State governments. “Every year, centre allocates Rs. 15,000 crore to the State governments for upgrading healthcare infrastructure. Teams of officials will visit these facilities to see if the infrastructure had actually been provided
• NRHM was launched in 2005 with a mission to provide accessible, equitable and affordable healthcare services to people. 
• While 1.4 lakh personnel were added to the health system, infrastructure was strengthened by taking up the construction or renovation of 594 district hospitals, 2,721 community health centres, 5,459 primary health centres and 31,001 sub-centres in the country