Kerala, known for its impressive health indices, is facing a new challenge as the incidence of lifestyle diseases rises and healthcare costs follow suit. A recent survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office revealed that out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in Kerala are the highest among states, more than double the national average. The state’s out-of-pocket expenditure for hospitalised treatment per household per year is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the high cost of medical care in Kerala.
The rising healthcare costs in Kerala can be attributed to several factors, including a growing elderly population and the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases that require lifelong treatment. The cost of diagnostic tests and treatments, along with the disappearance of not-for-profit hospitals and a preference for private institutions over government facilities, have also contributed to the increasing expenses. The closure of small hospitals and the rise of corporate hospitals through acquisitions have further exacerbated the situation.
Kerala’s per capita health expenditure is almost four times the national average, highlighting the financial burden faced by its residents in accessing healthcare. With the cost of medical care on the rise, there is a pressing need for strategies to address the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services in the state. The government and healthcare providers must work together to find solutions that ensure the well-being of Kerala’s population while also managing the escalating healthcare costs.
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