New Delhi, May 28: Recent estimates from the National Health Accounts (NHA) reveal a significant increase in public spending on primary health services in India over the past decade. Government expenditure rose from ₹50,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.4 lakh crore in 2022-23, as reported on Wednesday.
The NHA’s annual estimates provide a chronological analysis of actual health expenditures made by the government, private sector, and other sources. The current estimates for 2022-23 mark the tenth edition of the series that began in 2013-14.
According to the report, the consistent rise in healthcare spending reflects the government’s increasing focus on strengthening primary health services and improving access to healthcare across the country.
A key component of this initiative is the operation of over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) throughout India. These centers offer comprehensive primary health service packages covering reproductive and child health care, infectious and non-communicable diseases, mental health, palliative care, oral health care, ENT services, and emergency care.
These centers also provide free medications, diagnostic services, health sessions, and teleconsultations. To further enhance healthcare delivery, the government has expanded the list of essential medicines available at public health centers.
Under the revised framework, 106 medicines are available for free at SHC-AAMs, 172 at PHC-AAMs, 300 at community health centers, 318 at sub-district hospitals, and 381 at district hospitals.
The range of free diagnostic services has also been expanded. Public health centers now offer 14 tests at SHC-AAMs, 63 at PHC-AAMs, 97 at community health centers, 111 at sub-district hospitals, and 134 at district hospitals.
The government stated that public awareness campaigns and active screening initiatives have helped bring healthcare services closer to people’s homes, facilitating early detection of diseases and timely treatment.
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