Published Mar 07, 2026 | 4:14 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 07, 2026 | 4:14 PM
The Budget's focus was on medicines, hospitals, treatment, etc. rather than on preventive and promotive aspects. (iStock)
Synopsis: Karnataka Budget has several positives — and many concerns — regarding its allocations for the health sector. Prasanna Saligram of Sarvatrika Arogya Andolana Karnataka, looks at the Budget with a critical eye.
Karnataka Budget 2026, tabled on Friday, 6 March, specified the State’s priorities for the health sector. Questions, however, remain about whether the allocations and announcements reflect a clear long-term vision.
Prasanna Saligram, a public health researcher with Sarvatrika Arogya Andolana Karnataka (SAAK), takes a closer look at what the Budget signals for the state’s healthcare system – the positives and the concerns.
At first glance, there has been a slight decrease in the nominal budget allocation for the health sector.
Strengthening of the public health cadre. This is a positive move if the medical lobby allows it to happen.
There is a claim of filling up of vacancies after overcoming legal hurdles. If this happens, it can take care of a major structural issue plaguing the state.
Palliative care. It is a positive development that it gets mentioned in a state Budget. We have to see how this pans out
There is a commitment to open government medical colleges in Vijayapura and Kolar districts for which detailed project reports (DPRs) have been made. These were among the nine districts where the district medical colleges were to be started in PPP mode. However, it needs to be seen if the government is shying away from its decision-taking responsibilities.
The previous Budget had allocated funds to start a medical college with private participation in Kolar. What happened that funds? Was a DPR drafted before announcing a medical college in PPP mode?
The Budget’s focus was on medicines, hospitals, treatment, etc. rather than on preventive and promotive aspects.
Regression in budgetary allocation and even budgetary utilisation (from revised estimates).
Absolute lack of policy direction in declaring either a move towards a universal health system, or bringing in a Right to Health Act or about budgetary provisions to start new institutional mechanisms, such as a regulatory body for regulating private sector. There is a proclamation of ‘good health to all’ and noises made around comprehensive care but no mention of any mechanisms to move towards a universal health system.
Increased allocation to the Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-Ark) scheme despite multiple studies revealing that such publicly funded health insurance schemes have failed in all aspects.
ASHAs still kept on an honorarium basis with no fixed salary.
