Modi Government Triples Healthcare Spending, Reduces Private Costs
The Modi government has significantly increased public healthcare spending in India, tripling per capita expenditure from Rs1,042 in 2013-14 to Rs3,169 in 2021-22. This marks a pivotal shift in India’s healthcare system, with government spending surpassing private out-of-pocket expenses for the first time in history.
According to official data, the share of government health expenditure in total healthcare spending has risen from 28.6% in 2013-14 to 48% in 2021-22. Meanwhile, private expenditure on healthcare has declined from 64.2% to 39.4% over the same period. This change highlights the government’s efforts to reduce the financial burden on individuals and make healthcare more accessible to all citizens.
The rise in public healthcare spending is largely due to initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which provides Rs 5 lakh of insurance coverage to over 50 crore people in India. In the July Budget, the government extended the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all Indian citizens over 70 years old. The aim is to provide free healthcare solutions to all.
The Modi government’s focus on healthier citizens is reshaping India’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that public resources play a greater role in meeting the nation’s healthcare needs and reducing reliance on private expenditure.
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Modi Government -: The Modi Government refers to the current government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Healthcare Spending -: Healthcare spending is the amount of money the government uses to provide health services to people.
Per Capita Expenditure -: Per capita expenditure means the average amount of money spent on each person.
Rs1,042 -: Rs1,042 means 1,042 Indian Rupees, which is the currency of India.
Ayushman Bharat -: Ayushman Bharat is a health insurance scheme in India that helps poor families get free medical treatment.
Rs 5 lakh -: Rs 5 lakh means 500,000 Indian Rupees, which is a large amount of money used for health insurance.
50 crore people -: 50 crore people means 500 million people, which is a very large number of people in India.
Private Out-of-Pocket Expenses -: Private out-of-pocket expenses are the money people pay themselves for healthcare, without help from the government.