Context:
Recently, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the National Health Account (NHA) estimates for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
National Health Accounts (NHA):
- Released by – Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Based on the System of Health Accounts (SHA) by WHO.
- Purpose – Provides standardized methods for tracking and reporting healthcare expenditures, allowing for inter-country comparisons.
According to WHO, health expenditure includes all expenditures for the provision of health services, family planning activities, nutrition activities and emergency aid designated for health, but it excludes the provision of drinking water and sanitation.
Key Findings:
- Rising Government Health Expenditure (GHE) – GHE as a share of GDP increased from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.84% in 2021-22.
- GHE as a share of General Government Expenditure (GGE) rose from 3.94% in 2014-15 to 6.12% in 2021-22, reflecting government’s commitment to enhancing public healthcare services.
- Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) – OOPE as a share of Total Health Expenditure (THE) decreased from 62.6% in 2014-15 to 39.4% in 2021-22.
- Indicates reduced financial strain on individuals due to increased public health spending and improved access to healthcare.
- Total Health Expenditure (THE) rose to Rs. 9,04,461 crores, constituting 3.83% of GDP, with a per capita expenditure of Rs. 6,602 in 2021-22.
- Growth in Social Security Expenditure (SSE) on Health – SSE as a share of Total Health Expenditure (THE) increased from 5.7% in 2014-15 to 8.7% in 2021-22.
- Includes government-funded health insurance, medical reimbursements for government employees, and social health insurance programs.
- Distribution of Current Health Expenditure (CHE) 2021-22 – Union Government’s share increased to Rs. 1,25,854 crores (15.94%), State Governments’ share rose to Rs. 1,71,952 crores (21.77%).
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Act provides for coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), thus covering about two-thirds of the population.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious “take home ration” of 600 Calories and a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000 for six months, says the official act.
