Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed Parliament that out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare in India has declined to 39.4 per cent from 62.6 per cent over the past 10 years, indicating increased access to affordable health services for the population. He shared this information while responding during Question Hour on affordable healthcare.
Detailing government initiatives in the healthcare sector, the Minister said free drugs and diagnostic services are being provided at district hospitals, primary health centres and community health centres under the National Health Mission.
He further stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, generic medicines are being made available at prices 60 to 80 per cent lower than prevailing market rates, with around 18,000 Janaushadhi outlets currently operational across the country.
The Minister also highlighted that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) offers cashless treatment during hospitalisation, while the AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) scheme provides branded medicines at prices at least 50 per cent lower than market rates.
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