National Health Account Estimates:
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently released the National Health Account (NHA) estimates for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22. These reports are the eighth and ninth editions of the NHA series, which provides a comprehensive view of the country’s healthcare expenditure.
Key Findings of National Health Account (NHA) Estimates for 2020-21 and 2021-22:
- Government health expenditure (GHE) as a percentage of GDP increased from 1.13% (2014-15) to 1.84% (2021-22).
- GHE as a share of General Government Expenditure (GGE) rose from 3.94% (2014-15) to 6.12% (2021-22).
- Per capita GHE increased from ₹1,108 to ₹3,169 during the same period.
- OOPE reduced from 62.6% (2014-15) to 39.4% (2021-22) of Total Health Expenditure (THE).
- GHE increased from 29% (2014-15) to 48% (2021-22) of THE.
- Social security expenditure (SSE) growth on health increased from 5.7% (2014-15) to 8.7% (2021-22) of THE, aiding in reducing OOPE.
- Total health expenditure (THE) was ₹7,39,327 crores (3.73% of GDP); by 2021-22, it rose to ₹9,04,461 crores (3.83% of GDP).
- Per capita health expenditure rose from ₹5,436 (2020-21) to ₹6,602 (2021-22).
- Significant increases in health expenditure reflect government efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic through expanded healthcare infrastructure and vaccination programs.
- The NHA framework aligns with System of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011, facilitating international comparisons and improving healthcare financial transparency.
