Out of Pocket Expenditure Associated with COVID 19 Pandemic in India

Corona virus 2019, popularly known as COVID-19 is a viral illness which has caused a threat in the minds of people across the world in recent times. Even developed countries are facing major challenges in preventing and treating this dreadful disease. In view of unavailability of effective vaccine and healthcare facilities, the burden of this disease is growing day by day. An important concern among the people living in these countries is the Out of Pocket Expenditure, which is ‘an expenditures borne directly by a patient, where insurance does not cover the full cost of the health goods or service’. As of 2014 data, Public expenditure on health in India has remained at 1% of GDP, very low compared to emerging BRICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) economies and even below neighbouring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. Hence it is high time that Government of India focuses on strengthening the primary healthcare system, community participation and Public private partnership so that disparity in healthcare needs is addressed and OOPE is reduced.