Srinagar, Apr 26: A fresh set of data has reaffirmed the near-total reliance of Jammu and Kashmir populace on public healthcare system, and how this system shields households from higher medical expenses.
J&K’s out-of-pocket expenses on illness spells requiring hospitalisation remain in control despite the private healthcare costs in upper quadrant.
According to the latest Household Social Consumption Health report released by the National Statistical Office, 80.5 percent of hospitalisations in J&K take place in government hospitals.
This places J&K among states and UTs with the highest dependence on public healthcare in the country.
Only Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded a higher share of hospitalisation in public sector hospitals.
This reliance appears to be helping moderate treatment costs.
The average out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalisation in J&K is Rs 23,079, a mid-range figure nationally.
This is in mid-range despite high treatment costs in private hospitals.
Patients spend an average Rs 10,549 per hospitalisation in government hospitals in J&K.
The costs are Rs 50,467 in private facilities of J&K.
The gap in expenditure underscores the financial protection public hospitals offer to households.
This is more significant in a scenario when a large majority of patients depend on them for inpatient care and treatment of conditions requiring multiple admissions in hospitals.
The pattern is also visible in treatment-seeking behaviour.
The report reveals that in rural J&K, 62.9 percent sought treatment at government facilities, and only 7 percent used private hospitals.
In urban areas of J&K, 31.3 percent sought care in government facilities, while 17.2 percent used private hospitals.
In addition, 48.6 percent utilised the service of private practitioners.
The report estimates 25 persons per 1000 population in J&K required hospitalisation the 365-day period surveyed.
Significantly, the OPD care, treatments not requiring admission, J&K’s average expenditure stood at Rs 1820 per episode. This is higher than almost all states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
The findings are significant in the context of hospitalisation coverage under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and SEHAT Scheme.
The scheme does not cover OPD costs of treatment but is a major relief in terms of financial protection for admitted patients.
The data in the report amply shows that private healthcare in J&K remains on the expensive side, while non-medical costs linked to hospitalisation are also significant. In this scenario, the public sector acts as a crucial buffer against catastrophic health expenditures.
While J&K public healthcare sector is mired by staffing challenges, it continues to be helping keep healthcare accessible and relatively affordable for the majority.
