The Karnataka government has allocated Rs.4,260 crore for health and medical education sector in the state budget for 2012-13. Specifically for the health sector, the outlay was raised to Rs.3391 crore. The highlights of the Budget 2012-13 are programme to reduce infant mortality, extension of Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme, A Health Information Help Line, compulsory rural service for MBBS candidates and setting up a SJIC at Mysore.

Provision of comprehensive preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health care to the people of the State is one of the priority areas of the Government, said Karnataka chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda in his Budget 2012-13 presentation.

The implementation of innovative programmes like ‘Madilu’, ‘Prasoothi Araike’, ‘Thayi Bhagya’ has helped in reducing Infant Mortality Rate to 38 per thousand live births and Maternal Mortality Ratio to 178 per one lakh live births. The national averages for these parameters are 47 and 212 respectively.

Infant Mortality Rate is a very sensitive indicator and for accurate reporting Rs.500 per case will be provided to ASHA workers.

In order to mitigate the problem of iron and iodine deficiency, pregnant women and lactating mothers would be provided with free supply of double fortified salt through the public distribution system. In all the Food and Nutrition Programmes of the state like ICDS, Mid-Day meals in the schools, double fortified salt will be used.

The Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme is being implemented in 13 districts of Gulbarga and Belgaum. So far treatment at a cost of Rs.102 crore has been provided to beneficiaries. During 2012-13, the scheme will be extended to other two revenue divisions, thus covering the entire state.

A Health Information Help Line will be established during 2012-13. Any person who desires to seek medical advice or any health related information can contact the help line through a toll free telephone number.

A legislation will be enacted making it mandatory for the MBBS undergraduates and post-graduates to serve one year in rural areas immediately after successful completion of the course. Only thereafter they will be made eligible for permanent registration with the Karnataka Medical Council. It is proposed to hike penalty rates for MBBS and post-graduate doctors who avail concessional seats in Government Colleges and Government seats in private colleges but opt not to serve the Government after successful completion of the course as stipulated in the relevant rules.

Ayush units in all taluka hospitals will be established in a phased manner. Fifteen such hospitals would be started during the year 2012-13. One time investment incentive will be provided to the new units set up for production of Ayush medicines.

An exclusive policy for the promotion of pharmaceutical sector in a holistic way will be formulated.

Around 65,000 people living with HIV are availing free ART medical services every month. Many of these people, not being able to bear the travel costs do not avail these facilities, graduating to a critical state of AIDS. The State Government will bear their travel costs.

Under NACO’s guidance, global agencies had undertaken the ‘Link Worker Scheme’ in thirteen districts to strengthen care and support system. This programme ends in March 2012. The state government will support the programme till NACO takes over in a phased manner.

The Government has sought approval from the Centre to increase the intake to government medical colleges. Upgradation of identified state autonomous institutions to national institutes has also been requested. The state is hopeful of receiving approvals during 2012-13. The state share for upgradation of infrastructure and other costs in these colleges and institutes will be provided.

A full fledged unit of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology will be set up in Mysore. Rs.5 crore is being provided to commence the work.