Showing signs of softening its previously rigid position over the co-branding of Ayushman Arogya Mandir as Aam Aadmi Clinics (AAC), the Union health ministry has agreed to consider the Punjab govt’s proposal.
It has requested the state health department to submit a formal proposal for examination. This marks a departure from previous discussions, given the Centre’s earlier refusal to allow hybrid or fused branding.The health ministry in the past had consistently maintained that state govts must adhere to guidelines issued under the National Health Mission (NHM). The branding dispute had led to a standoff between the state and central govts, resulting in the withholding of Punjab’s grant under NHM. The Centre has withheld grants to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore.
In the absence of financial assistance from the Union govt, Punjab is forced to chip in with funds from the state exchequer to sustain various programmes under NHM.
Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh, accompanied by health department officials, met with the Union health minister JP Nadda last week and made a strong case for co-branding. Singh argued that since Punjab provides land and contributes 40% of the funds under NHM, the state govt should be allowed to have co-branding, featuring photographs and names of both the state and central govts.
The matter was also raised during the recently concluded assembly session, where the health minister characterised the Centre’s decision to withhold Punjab’s funds as “unreasonable.”
The minister urged all members, including those from the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party, to persuade the Centre to resolve the issue and restore funding.
The standoff has resulted in the ministry withholding funds, including Rs 112 crore for the financial year 2022-23 and Rs 366.41 crore for the financial year 2023-24, out of a total central share allocation of Rs 457.90 crore under NHM.
For the financial year 2024-25, a budget of Rs 795.70 crore has been approved, with the Centre’s share being Rs 477.42 crore.
Health ministry’s stand
The Union health ministry in the past maintained a firm stance, insisting that the state govt strictly adhere to the official names and branding guidelines of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes, as outlined in the guidelines and instructions issued by the govt of India.
Citing Clause 10.3 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ministry of health and the govt of Punjab for the implementation of the NHM from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026, the ministry has been emphasising that Punjab must ensure the implementation of programmes and activities under the NHM framework, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the ministry of health.
The ministry also noted that the Punjab govt failed to comply with the mandatory guidelines set by the department of expenditure for the scheme of Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment in 2023-24.
Furthermore, Punjab violated Clauses 10.3 and 10.10 of the MoU signed with the ministry of health by not adhering to the branding guidelines, prompting the ministry to take a stern stance on the matter.
National Institute For NCDs
During the meeting, Punjab made a fervent appeal to the health ministry to establish a National Institute for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the state, given the disproportionately high burden of NCDs in Punjab.
The proposed institute aims to combat the alarming prevalence of NCDs among the state’s population.
Hypertension, diabetes and cancer are the most common NCDs in Punjab.
In response to the state’s request, the health ministry has asked for a detailed proposal from Punjab for consideration.
