London, England, Mar. 3 (UPI) -- The British National Health Service is facing a financial crisis in the run-up to the general election, figures published Thursday indicate.

The 28 health authorities are reporting a current financial deficit of $1.06 billion, the Health Service Journal reports.

Although some money may be saved by short-term economizing and creative accounting, financial directors predict they will be left with a shortfall of $653 million at the end of the fiscal year March 31 -- $191 million more than forecast two months ago.

The year end position, set to be revealed just weeks before an expected May election, will no doubt fuel opposition allegations that increased spending on the NHS has not been accompanied accordingly by increased productivity.

John Hutton, the health minister, told the Guardian: "It is not unusual for the NHS to be reporting deficits at this time in the financial year."