Assessment of utilization of untied fund provided under the national rural health mission in Uttar Pradesh.

OBJECTIVES

To seek opinion regarding the procurement and spending of untied fund provided to health centers and Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) in selected districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

METHODS

It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted during September-December 2008. The multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted to select the districts, health facilities and VHSCs. The data was collected using semi structured interview schedule, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with ANMs for qualitative information, review of the records of health centers and VHSCs.

RESULTS

The concept of untied fund was perceived to be a very good one at all levels. Guideline for utilization of untied fund was either not available or if available, was not clear to concerned personnel. The decision of expenditure of untied funds of CHCs and PHCs was taken in the meeting of Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS), but members from other sectors such as PRI, education, revenue department etc. usually did not attend the meeting. Most of Medical Officer in charges (MOICs) were not aware regarding availability of untied fund. About 50% of ANMs were not able to expend the money due to non co-operation of Pradhan. In majority of the cases the decision regarding the utilization of untied fund was taken by ANM herself instead of VHSC meeting.

CONCLUSION

Regular update and orientation to the service providers about the untied fund and its efficient utilization, strict monitoring of utilization of untied fund at each and every level is needed.