Chandigarh: To overcome operational challenges and ensure patients do not suffer because of shortages of essential diagnostic supplies, the Punjab health department has released more than Rs 26.5 crore for the procurement of laboratory reagents, X-ray films and payments to empanelled ultrasound service providers.The funds were sanctioned through the National Health Mission (NHM) to meet immediate requirements and projected needs for the next six months. District health societies were directed to carry out procurement strictly under the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Rules, 2022, and ensure money is used only for intended purpose.
According to the order, districts with the highest projected requirements include Ludhiana (Rs 2.76 crore), followed by Hoshiarpur (Rs 2.54 crore), Mohali (Rs 1.92 crore), Bathinda (Rs 1.42 crore), Sangrur (Rs 1.27 crore), Ropar (Rs 78.99 lakh), Nawanshahr (Rs 73.27 lakh), and Gurdaspur (Rs 66.17 lakh).The order also flags operational challenges in several districts, including shortage of lab technicians and radiographers, damage to equipment due to floods and non-functional X-ray machines, which continue to limit service delivery in some govt hospitals.Civil surgeons were instructed to ensure payments to empanelled ultrasound service providers are cleared within 15 days of receipt of bills. The order makes it clear that no payments shall be made in cash.District health societies and facilities concerned were directed to use the funds strictly as per the guidelines of the NHM, state finance department and 15th Finance Commission, maintain separate records of expenditure, submit utilisation reports separately to the state headquarters, and refund any excess or unutilised funds. The funds must not be diverted for any other purpose, and any violation will invite strict disciplinary action under the Punjab Punishment and Appeal Rules, 1970.The order specifies that expenditure on laboratory reagents and X-ray films shall be made under the Diagnostics Support component of the Hub and Spoke Model, as per the state govt guidelines issued on September 13, 2025. Civil surgeons were also directed to ensure no liabilities prior to Sept 1, 2025 are cleared from these funds.
