Bhubaneswar: Odisha has registered a sharp decline in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health.
According to the National Health Accounts estimates released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Odisha has reduced OOPE on health to 37.1 per cent in 2021-22 from around 71.5 pc in 2015-16. The OOPE in the state is now among the lowest in the country.
Odisha has shown better performance in comparison to other states, such as Kerala (59.1 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (52 per cent), West Bengal (58.3 per cent), Bihar (41.3 per cent) and Jharkhand (47.5 per cent).
The decline in OOPE reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring financial protection for citizens. By increasing public healthcare expenditure, the government has reduced the financial burden on households, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. This is particularly significant for low and middle-income families who may have previously faced financial barriers to seek medical care.
The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), which was launched in 2018 has played a significant role in declining the OOPE in Odisha.