Despite the higher allocation, the panel found that only 46.46 per cent of the funds had actually been used as of December 24, 2025
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The Delhi government’s Action Taken Report on recommendations concerning the health sector says that there has been a 69 per cent increase in Delhi’s health budget to ₹12,826 crore in 2025-26, accounting for 13 per cent of the total Delhi budget, it expressed concern over the utilisation of funds, noting that only 46.46 per cent of the allocated amount had been spent as of December 24, 2025, with nearly three-quarters of the financial year already over.This report was prepared by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, National Capital Territory of Delhi, on behalf of the Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), under the direction of Chairperson of the Committee on Public Accounts. The department said health spending stood at 0.79 per cent of Delhi’s GSDP, against the 2.5 per cent benchmark under the National Health Policy, and that a phased roadmap was being followed to bridge the gap. The committee also noted that the department had not provided year-wise targets or a clear mechanism and timeline to ensure timely utilisation of funds and avoid unspent allocations.UnprecedentedThe health budget for 2025-26 was increased by 69 per cent, taking it to ₹12,826 crore. This now makes up 13 per cent of Delhi’s total budget. The committee called this rise “unprecedented” and welcomed the government’s push to strengthen healthcare in the capital.Despite the higher allocation, the panel found that only 46.46 per cent of the funds had actually been used as of December 24, 2025, even though nearly nine months of the financial year had already gone by.This raises concerns about a familiar pattern: government departments rushing to spend money in the last few months of the year, instead of using it steadily throughout.The Health Department explained that its spending currently stands at 0.79 per cent of Delhi’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), well below the 2.5 per cent benchmark recommended under the National Health Policy, 2017. Officials said a “phased roadmap” is in place to gradually close this gap.Reaching BenchmarkThe panel, however, was not fully satisfied with this explanation. It pointed out that the department has not shared: Year-wise targets for increasing spending, a clear mechanism to ensure funds are used on time, a timeline for reaching the 2.5 per cent GSDP benchmark.The committee warned that without these details, there’s a real risk that large sums could remain unspent again by the end of the year.The committee said Delhi is lagging in achieving SDG-3 health goals and wants a year-wise action plan up to 2030. The department, however, only said various processes were being implemented and did not provide year-wise targets, milestones or a roadmap. The report said that the Delhi government has taken several steps, including a sharp increase in the health budget, revamping drug procurement and expanding infrastructure, but said that implementation remained incomplete and the government has often provided assurances rather than hospital-wise data, measurable outcomes or proof that promised reforms have actually been completed.Published on September 9, 2026
