Out-of-pocket healthcare costs fell sharply over past decade: Nadda

Dehradun, Feb 14: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Saturday said that India has witnessed a substantial reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare over the past decade, easing the financial burden on households, particularly among economically vulnerable sections.
Addressing the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Nadda described the convocation as both special and significant—special as it represents years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, and significant as it marks the beginning of a new phase of professional responsibility and service. He urged the graduates to uphold the highest ideals of the medical profession, continuously strive for excellence, and dedicate their skills and knowledge to the service of humanity.
Highlighting the transformative strides made in India’s health sector over the past eleven years, the Union Health Minister stated that the number of AIIMS has increased from 6 to 23, substantially expanding access to advanced tertiary healthcare services across the country. He further informed that institutional deliveries have risen to nearly 89%, reflecting strengthened maternal healthcare systems.
The Minister noted that the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 130 per lakh live births a decade ago to 88 per lakh live births, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has reduced from 39 per thousand live births to 27 per thousand live births, demonstrating sustained progress in maternal and child health outcomes.
Citing estimates from the World Health Organization and UN agencies, Nadda stated that India has achieved a significantly faster decline in the Under-5 Mortality Rate over the past decade compared to the global average, underscoring the impact of focused policy interventions and expanded healthcare access. Referring to tuberculosis control efforts, he noted that India has recorded a substantial decline in TB incidence, outperforming the global average reduction through sustained public health measures and community-based interventions.
The Union Health Minister further highlighted India’s historic COVID-19 vaccination drive, under which more than 220 crore vaccine doses, including precautionary and booster doses, have been administered nationwide, demonstrating the scale, resilience, and efficiency of India’s public health system.
Emphasizing financial protection in healthcare, Nadda spoke about Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family. He stated that the scheme now benefits nearly 62 crore people, covering approximately 40% of India’s population. Referring to evidence from reputed international medical journals and independent evaluations, he noted that AB-PMJAY has significantly improved access to timely cancer care and strengthened financial protection for eligible beneficiaries across the country.
He further stated that India has witnessed a substantial reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare over the past decade, easing the financial burden on households, particularly among economically vulnerable sections. Despite accounting for nearly one-sixth of the global population, India has made significant progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality through sustained vector-borne disease control efforts in line with WHO-reported trends.
Underscoring the importance of comprehensive primary healthcare, the Minister informed that more than 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been operationalized nationwide as the first point of contact for citizens. Of these, 50,000 centres have already been certified under National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), with a target to scale up to 1 lakh NQAS-certified Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the near future.
Concluding his address, Nadda reiterated that the strength of India’s healthcare system ultimately rests on the commitment, competence, and compassion of its medical professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, congratulated the graduating students and highlighted the State Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, medical education, and emergency services, particularly in remote and hilly regions. He emphasized the role of institutions such as Swami Rama Himalayan University in developing a skilled healthcare workforce for the State and the nation.
Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of Medical Health & Higher Education, Uttarakhand, also addressed the gathering and appreciated the University’s contribution to advancing medical and higher education. He encouraged graduates to actively contribute to research, innovation, and public health services, especially in underserved areas.
Established with the vision of advancing excellence in healthcare and higher education, Swami Rama Himalayan University has emerged as a leading institution in the Himalayan region, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across medical, paramedical, nursing, management, engineering, and allied sciences.
The ceremony witnessed conferment of degrees across various disciplines, marking a significant academic milestone for the graduating cohort.
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, Swami Rama Himalayan University; Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice-Chancellor; senior dignitaries, faculty members, parents, and students were present on the occasion.