Healthcare: Shocking revelations in the report, annual inflation rate in double digits

New Delhi| The cost of health services in the country is increasing at an annual rate of 14 percent according to the ACKO India Health Insurance Index 2024. The index report says that health services are becoming expensive every year in the country. In terms of healthcare, the inflation rate is in double digits. According to the index, “health service inflation in India was recorded at 14 percent” The index also reported that only 23 percent of hospital expenses in the country are financed through borrowing, which puts considerable strain on the financial health of families. In India, 62 per cent of expenses for health services are paid out of one’s own pocket. This report emphasized the need for better healthcare coverage to protect against unexpected health crises.

Highlighting the major diseases in health insurance claims, the report said Delhi has emerged as the kidney disease capital in India, which has the highest share of kidney-related health insurance claims. After Rajdhani, the highest number of claims in health insurance for kidney disease were from Kochi, the index said. According to the index report, “Delhi leads in terms of kidney disease, followed by Kochi”. Delhi NCR has the highest number of claims related to kidney health. The share of claims from Kochi, Secunderabad, Bengaluru and Jaipur is also higher than the national average

The index also reported that the average age of patients claiming kidney and kidney problems is 47 years, indicative of an important in terms of health concern. Remarkably, the largest bill claimed last year according to the index for kidney-related problems was Rs 24,73,894, reflecting the financial burden associated with these health conditions.

In addition to kidney health, the report also highlights other serious health issues, including heart disease. According to the report, maximum claims for heart related problems were made in Kolkata and Mumbai. A significant increase in hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases between the ages of 31 and 50 has been observed.

“Kolkata and Mumbai top the list of metros in terms of disorders of the circulatory system such as heart attack”, the report said Furthermore, the report has also revealed alarming trends in cancer cases. It predicts a 13 percent increase from 2020 to 2025.

Meanwhile, the government has recently launched various schemes to improve healthcare in the country. On September 11 this year, the Union Cabinet had approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). With this approval, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme.

AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, providing a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization. All members of eligible families, irrespective of their age, are covered under this scheme.