Epidemiology and Economic Burden of Continuing Challenge of Infectious Diseases in India: Analysis of Socio-Demographic Differentials

Abstract

Unlike other low and middle-income countries, infectious diseases are still predominant and non-communicable diseases are emerging without replacing the burden of infectious diseases in India. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze the socio-economic and demographic differentials in the magnitude of economic burden and coping strategies associated with health expenditure on infectious diseases in India. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data on ‘Key Indicators of Social Consumption in India: Health, (2017-18)’ has been employed in this study. Results revealed that out of the total ailed population, 33 percent reported ailed with infectious diseases in India. In both inpatient and outpatient care, individuals residing in a rural area, females, educated up to secondary level, very poor, more than average households’ size and eastern region of the country spends a bigger portion of its total consumption expenditure (TCE) on health. Further, to cope up with the burden of OOP health expenditure, people residing in rural areas, SCs followed by OBCs, illiterates, poor and very poor, and southern region are more dependent on distress financing such as borrowing and others which includes the sale of assets and contribution from friends and relatives in the study. The study deliberates the need for comprehensive policy initiatives including an action plan against ailments, awareness against unhygienic conditions, immunizations, subsidized medical facilities, expansion of quality primary health care facilities in the country.