Healthcare Costs Rise in India: Delhi Faces Kidney Disease Crisis, New Schemes for Seniors
The ACKO India Health Insurance Index 2024 highlights a 14% annual increase in healthcare costs in India. This rise is due to double-digit inflation in healthcare, making it more expensive each year. The report also notes that 23% of hospital charges are financed through borrowings, putting a strain on families’ finances. With 62% of healthcare expenses paid out of pocket, better health care coverage is necessary to protect against unexpected health crises.
Kidney Disease in Delhi
Delhi has emerged as the capital for kidney disease in India, with the highest share of health insurance claims related to kidney health. Following Delhi, Kochi has the next highest claims. The average age of patients claiming kidney and renal problems is 47 years. The largest bill for kidney-related issues last year was Rs 24,73,894, highlighting the financial burden of these conditions.
Heart Disease in Kolkata and Mumbai
Kolkata and Mumbai have the highest claims for heart-related conditions. A significant increase in hospitalizations for heart diseases is observed between the ages of 31 and 50. These cities top the list for disorders of the circulatory system, like heart attacks.
Rising Cancer Cases
The report predicts a 13% increase in cancer cases from 2020 to 2025, indicating an alarming trend in critical health issues.
New Health Schemes for Seniors
On September 11, the Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This scheme provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. All members of eligible families, irrespective of age, are covered under this scheme.
Doubts Revealed
ACKO India Health Insurance Index -: This is a report that shows how much people in India are spending on health care. It helps us understand if costs are going up or down.
14% annual rise -: This means that every year, the cost of healthcare is increasing by 14%. So, if something cost Rs 100 last year, it will cost Rs 114 this year.
out of pocket -: This means that people are paying for healthcare from their own money, not through insurance or government help.
kidney disease claims -: These are requests for money to cover the costs of treating kidney diseases. People in Delhi are asking for this help the most.
Rs 24,73,894 -: This is a large amount of money, almost 25 lakh rupees, which someone had to pay for kidney treatment.
heart disease claims -: These are requests for money to cover the costs of treating heart diseases. Kolkata and Mumbai have the most requests for this help.
cancer cases -: This refers to the number of people who are getting cancer. The number is expected to go up by 13% from 2020 to 2025.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana -: This is a government program in India that helps people pay for healthcare. It now includes health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
