Punjab Suggests Rs.44 Billion as Provinical Health Budget

According to the budget recommendations, recently presented by the Provincial Government of Punjab, an amount of Rs. 44 Billion will be allocated as the Provincial Health budget 2014-2015. However, the final budgetary figures are expected to be approved and announced within the coming weeks. The Health budget for the previous year was kept at Rs. 44.629 Billion.
Being the largest populated and highly productive province of Pakistan, Punjab accommodates over 80 million people and it's public-health is a crucial concern for the whole country. Medical services have always presented several challenges all over the urban and rural areas of the province. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Health-care is now a provincial responsibility, whereby it will be a tough test of the provincial government's performance, to effectively meet the healthcare needs of Punjab's population, through adequate funding and diligence.

Earlier, the Federal Government had separately allocated Rs. 26.80 Billion for the Federal Health Budget 2014-2015.