The Indian government has responded to criticism from a recent Lancet report that highlighted the country’s healthcare spending as one of the lowest among G20 nations. Government sources asserted that healthcare expenditure is at a record high, pointing to ongoing efforts to prioritize investments and enhance budget allocations in the sector.

They added that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) aims to increase public investment in health to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as outlined in the National Health Policy 2017. Hence, states have been encouraged to allocate health budgets by at least 10% annually to reach this goal.

Additionally, data from the Department of Health and Family Welfare revealed a significant increase in health expenditure, which grew from Rs 36,948 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 86,175 crore in 2023-24, a 133.23% increase. Government spending on health has increased from 1.13% of GDP in 2014-15 to 1.35% in 2019-20.Moreover, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses have decreased, from 62.6% of total health expenditures in 2014-15 to 47.1% in 2019-20. This trend indicated an improvement in healthcare affordability for individuals.

Government sources also highlighted several flagship health initiatives, such as the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The Ayushman Bhav campaign aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services across all villages and towns.Other measures include establishing new AIIMS facilities, upgrading medical colleges, and increasing medical seats. Under the PMBJP initiative, the government provides free drugs and diagnostic services at primary health centers and offers affordable generic medicines.

Despite criticism, the Indian government remains committed to boosting healthcare allocations and implementing initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for all citizens.

(Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-rubbishes-lancet-report-says-spending-on-healthcare-is-at-all-time-high/articleshowprint/109307604.cms?val=3728 )