The survey indicates that median healthcare spending remains low, reflecting a reduced financial burden on households. A notable development is the zero median outpatient expenditure reported at public health facilities, underscoring the widespread availability of free essential healthcare services. In more than half of all hospitalisation cases at public facilities, out-of-pocket expenditure stands at Rs. 1100, demonstrating the practical impact of the government’s commitment to affordable healthcare.
Health-seeking behaviour has strengthened considerably, as reflected in the rise of the Proportion of Population Reported Ailing. In rural areas, this figure nearly doubled from 6.8 percent in 2017–18 to 12.2 percent in 2025, while in urban areas it increased from 9.1 percent to 14.9 percent. This trend indicates greater awareness and improved access to medical services.
The utilisation of public healthcare facilities has also increased, particularly in rural regions where outpatient care usage rose from 28 percent in 2014 to 35 percent in 2025. This growth has been driven by the expansion of primary healthcare services across the country.
Government-backed health insurance and financing schemes have seen a substantial expansion in coverage. In rural areas, coverage increased more than threefold from 12.9 percent to 45.5 percent, while in urban areas it rose from 8.9 percent to 31.8 percent. The survey also highlights that out-of-pocket expenditure remains low among the bottom two income quintiles, indicating the targeted effectiveness of government interventions in ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare.
Maternal healthcare services have shown strong outcomes, with institutional deliveries reaching 95.6 percent in rural areas and 97.8 percent in urban areas. These figures reflect strengthened healthcare infrastructure and improved maternal care services nationwide.
The findings of the NSO’s 80th Round Survey underscore a significant transformation in India’s healthcare system, marked by expanded access, financial protection, and increased reliance on public health services, reinforcing the country’s ongoing efforts to build an inclusive and affordable healthcare framework.
About The Author
Comment List