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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘ Expenditure of Primary Health Care ‘ : 23 July

Daily News Analysis ‘ Expenditure of Primary Health Care ‘ : 23 July

The recent Economic Survey highlighted that the proportion of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) allocated to primary healthcare has risen from 51.3% in FY15 to 55.9% in FY20.

Table of Content

About Increase in Primary Healthcare Expenditure:

  • The combined share of primary and secondary care in Government Health Expenditure (GHE) rose from 73.2% in FY15 to 85.5% in FY20.
  • The share of primary and secondary care in private health expenditure declined from 83% to 73.7% between FY15 and FY20.
    • This decline is attributed to the rising tertiary disease burden and increased use of government facilities for primary healthcare.
  • Social security expenditure on health grew from 5.7% of Total Health Expenditure (THE) in FY15 to 9.3% in FY20.
  • Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a percentage of THE declined between FY15 and FY20.
  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) decreased from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2013 to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020.
  • Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) declined from 167 per lakh live births in 2014 to 97 per lakh live births in 2020.

Government Initiatives for Healthcare

Scheme

Details

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

  • Launched in 2018; world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme.
  • Provides coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
  • Targets about 50 crore beneficiaries from poor and vulnerable families.

PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras

  • Part of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), launched in 2008.
  • Aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices.
  • As of 2023, over 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India.
  • Offers more than 1,800 medicines and 285 surgical items at 50-90% lower prices than market rates.

AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment)

  • Launched in 2015 to reduce expenditure on cancer and cardiovascular disease treatments.
  • AMRIT pharmacies provide drugs at 60-90% discounted prices compared to market rates.
  • As of 2023, over 250 AMRIT pharmacies across India.

Why in News?

The recent Economic Survey highlighted that the proportion of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) allocated to primary healthcare has risen from 51.3% in FY15 to 55.9% in FY20.