Affordability of Healthcare in the Eight North Eastern States of India

Abstract

The government dominates the healthcare sector in the eight North Eastern States of India and hence the average expenditure on treatment is much lower as compared to the all-India average where private sector dominates. However, as a proportion of total expenditure, a substantial portion goes into non-medical expenses, thus offsetting the advantage of lower cost of medical care. Expenditure on medicines accounted for the largest share of expenditure item in medical treatment, which can be contained through public procurement by the government through tendering process. Loans from banks at minimum cost/interest rate could be made available for expenditure on non-medical expenses. There is need to improve public (government) healthcare sector terms of quantity, quality and reach especially in the rural areas by providing adequate infrastructure (including road connectivity, accommodation, etc), manpower and facilities. This calls for huge public expenditure.