Why in News?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates 2022-23 showing a decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) and a rise in government health spending.
Key Findings
Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
- OOPE share in Total Health Expenditure (THE):
- 64.2% in 2013-14
- 43.4% in 2022-23
- Indicates reduced financial burden on households
Reasons for Decline
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Over 1.8 lakh wellness centres providing:
- Free drugs and diagnostics
- Teleconsultation
- Maternal and child healthcare
- Non-communicable disease services
- Preventive healthcare
Increased Government Spending
- Government health expenditure rose:
- From 1.15% of GDP (2013-14)
- To 1.43% of GDP (2022-23)
- Reached 1.84% during COVID-19 in 2021-22
Other Key Trends
- Rise in Per Capita Government Health Expenditure: Increased from ₹1,042 to ₹2,786 between 2013-14 and 2022-23
- Increase in Social Security Expenditure: Rose from 6% to 9.9%
- Growth in Private Health Insurance: Increased from 3.4% to 9.2%
What is OOPE?
- Out-of-Pocket Expenditure refers to direct payments made by households for healthcare services at the point of use.
Significance
- Better healthcare access
- Reduced catastrophic health expenditure
- Progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
- Strengthening preventive healthcare
Challenges
- OOPE still remains high at 43.4%
- Pharmaceutical expenses continue to drive household spending
- Rural and regional disparities persist
[2023] Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.
Statement-II: Under India’s decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-l are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-is not the correct explanation for Statement-l.
[C] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
[D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-Il is correct.
