Quoting a WHO report, Health Minister J P Nadda told Rajya Sabha that
out of pocket spending as part of private expenditure on health care is
86.3 percent in India compared to 22 percent in US and 57 percent in UK.
The reason for high expenses in India is attributed to low government expenditure on health and the poor having limited access to essential drugs and diagnostics in public health services.
"Government is examining a proposal to launch free essential drugs scheme to provide essential drugs free of cost to all patients visiting public health facilities," Nadda said, replying to questions in Rajya Sabha.
He said the impact of rising health care cost has been drawing the government's attention and it has taken several steps to provide "accessible, affordable and accountable" health care facilities to people.
The reason for high expenses in India is attributed to low government expenditure on health and the poor having limited access to essential drugs and diagnostics in public health services.
"Government is examining a proposal to launch free essential drugs scheme to provide essential drugs free of cost to all patients visiting public health facilities," Nadda said, replying to questions in Rajya Sabha.
He said the impact of rising health care cost has been drawing the government's attention and it has taken several steps to provide "accessible, affordable and accountable" health care facilities to people.
Source: India News
