Government’s Share Of Total Health Expenditure Increases

September 13

The government’s share of total health expenditure has risen from 28.6% in 2013-14 to 40.6% in 2018-19.

As per National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates for India 2018-19 which were released yesterday by the  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the per capita government spending on healthcare has increased by 74 percent since 2013-14.

The NHA estimates show that the per capita government spending in 2013-14 was one thousand forty-two rupees, which has increased to one thousand eight hundred and fifteen rupees in 2018 -19.

Government spending on primary healthcare has increased since 2013-14. The government health expenditure during that period on primary healthcare was around 51 percent, which has increased to over 55 percent in 2018-19.

Since 2013-14, the country’s per capita out-of-pocket expenditure has also reduced by 8%, while out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of overall health expenditure has decreased by 16%, from 64.2% to 48.2%. According to the NHA, government-financed health insurance expenditure climbed by 167% during 2013-14.

Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, due to the increased expenditure, the coverage of health services, as well as its utilization, is also increasing.

The increased emphasis on primary health care, according to Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, underlines the government’s decision to prioritize primary healthcare in the country.

The National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2018-19 are the sixth in a row since 2013-14. The Union Health Ministry recognized the National Health Systems Resource Centre as the National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat in 2014.