Union budget 2004-05 and the health sector

Abstract

The budget documents is basic policy paper of the government and in some sense provides a mirror of government's priorities. However, one basic question remains how to translate these policies into implementable plans and how to make sure that government is able to deliver the planned development. Many this times authors have focused on priorities and policies without giving due consideration to ground level realities, the policy pronouncements are mere rhetoric and problems remain. In some way the recent budget has done the same with the health sector. There is probably lack of clarity on issues the health sector is facing. Authors aim at addressing some of these issues in context of health sector and describe how this year's budget has missed focus.