Himachal High Court Demands Answers Over Unspent Health Funds and Doctor Shortage
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has voiced strong concerns about how the state government handled ₹521.68 crore allocated under the National Health Mission (NHM) for 2024–25. In a recent hearing, the court criticized the affidavit submitted by the State Health Secretary, calling it vague and lacking clarity. It has now asked the Central Government to step in, verify the spending details, and submit a fresh report within four weeks.
This directive came from Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma during a case highlighting the critical shortage of doctors in primary health centres (PHCs) across the state. The bench emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in how public health funds are used, especially when rural communities are struggling with inadequate medical care.
“The affidavit doesn’t clearly show how the ₹521.68 crore improved health services or infrastructure,” the court noted, urging the Centre to cross-check the state’s claims and provide a detailed explanation.
The court also examined the December 2024 transfer of 93 medical officers. It demanded specifics on how many doctors actually joined their new posts, how many didn’t, and whether any disciplinary action was taken. It also questioned why 21 of those transfers were later cancelled.
According to the affidavit, only 11 doctors were reassigned, and 32 transfers were cancelled—leaving a gap of at least 43 medical officers in PHCs. Although the state claimed to have appointed 11 new doctors between March and June 2025, the court pointed out that a shortfall of at least 32 doctors still remains.
The bench asked whether the cancelled transfers were due to genuine administrative needs or other reasons, and requested a full explanation in the next hearing.
This case highlights growing concerns about rural healthcare in Himachal Pradesh and the possible mismanagement of central health funds. The court will revisit the matter in four weeks, once the Centre submits its verified report.
