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Aashima, Sharma R. An Examination of Inter-State Variation in Utilization of Healthcare Services, Associated Financial Burden and Inequality: Evidence from Nationally Representative Survey in India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 54:206-223. [PMID: 38465616 DOI: 10.1177/27551938241230761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the health care utilization pattern, associated financial catastrophes, and inequality across Indian states to understand the subnational variations and aid the policy makers in this regard. Data from recent National Sample Survey (2017-2018), titled, "Household Social Consumption: Health," covering 113,823 households, was employed in the study. Descriptive statistics, Erreygers concentration index (CI), and recentered influence function decomposition were applied in the study. We found that, in India, 7 percent of households experienced catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and 1.9 percent of households were pushed below poverty line due to out-of-pocket expenditure on hospitalization. Notably, outpatient care was more burdensome (CHE: 12.1%; impoverishment: 4%). Substantial interstate variations were observed, with high financial burden in poorer states. Utilization of health care services from private health care providers was pro-rich (hospitalization CI 0.31; outpatient CI 0.10), while the occurrence of CHE incidence was pro-poor (hospitalization CI -0.10; outpatient CI -0.14). Education level, economic status, health insurance, and area of residence contributed significantly to inequalities in utilization of health care services from private providers and financial burden. The high financial burden of seeking health care necessitates the need to increase public health spending and strengthen public health infrastructure. Also, concerted efforts directed towards increasing awareness about health insurance and introducing comprehensive health insurance products (covering both inpatient and outpatient services) are imperative to augment financial risk protection in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashima
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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Aashima, Sharma R. Is health insurance really benefitting Indian population? Evidence from a nationally representative sample survey. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024; 39:293-310. [PMID: 37910629 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal health coverage (UHC) is the centrepiece of the sustainable development goals and aims to ensure access to essential and quality healthcare services to all without facing financial hardships. Several health insurance programmes have been launched in India to progress towards UHC. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the impact of health insurance (overall health insurance, government sponsored health insurance (GSHI), and private voluntary health insurance) on accessibility and utilization of inpatient care, out-of-pocket health expenditure (OOPE), catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), and impoverishment in India. DATA AND METHODOLOGY The 75th round of National Sample Survey Office was used in the study, which covered 555,115 individuals, 113,823 households, and 91,445 hospitalization incidence all over India. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) methods were employed. RESULTS Enrolment under health insurance has impacted the accessibility and utilization pattern of hospitalization to some extent for the insured. PSM showed that enrolment under GSHI schemes reduced OOPE by INR 3314 (USD 49) and CHE incidence by 1%-4% at various thresholds. Among poor persons, there was a marginal but statistically significant reduction of OOPE among those enrolled under GSHI schemes (p < 0.05). However, GSHI schemes did not statistically significantly reduce the CHE burden for poor persons enrolled (p > 0.05). Furthermore, enrolment under private voluntary health insurance reduced OOPE by INR 13,511 (USD 198) and CHE by 13.47% at 10% threshold, 4.61% at 25% threshold, and 2.65% at 40% threshold. However, its uptake was primarily confined to richer economic quintiles and urban areas that exacerbates equity concerns. All the results were confirmed through robustness measures employed. CONCLUSIONS There is a necessity to increase awareness and uptake of health insurance, along with introducing comprehensive insurance packages covering both inpatient and outpatient care. Also, increasing public health spending, strengthening public healthcare facilities, and improving regulatory implementation of private healthcare providers are imperative to augment financial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashima
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India
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Aashima, Sharma R. A Systematic Review of the World's Largest Government Sponsored Health Insurance Scheme for 500 Million Beneficiaries in India: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2024; 22:17-32. [PMID: 37801262 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE In pursuit of universal health coverage, India has launched the world's largest government-sponsored health insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) in 2018. This study aims to provide a holistic review of the scheme's impact since its inception. METHODS We reviewed studies (based on interviews or surveys) published from September 2018 to January 2023, which were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus database. The main outcomes studied were: (1) awareness; (2) utilization of scheme; (3) experiences; (4) financial protection; and (5) challenges encountered by both beneficiaries and healthcare providers. RESULTS A total of 18 studies conducted across 14 states and union territories of India were reviewed. The findings revealed that although PM-JAY has become a familiar name, there remains a low level of awareness regarding various facets of the scheme such as benefits entitled, hospitals empanelled, and services covered. The scheme is benefitting the poor and vulnerable population to access healthcare services that were previously unaffordable to them. However, financial protection provided by the scheme exhibited mixed results. Several challenges were identified, including continued spending by beneficiaries on drugs and diagnostic tests, delays in issuance of beneficiary cards, and co-payments demanded by healthcare providers. Additionally, private hospitals expressed dissatisfaction with low health package rates and delays in claims reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS Concerted efforts such as population-wide dissemination of clear and complete knowledge of the scheme, providing training to healthcare providers, addressing infrastructural gaps and concerns of healthcare providers, and ensuring appropriate stewardship are imperative to achieve the desired objectives of the scheme in the long-run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashima
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, Kurukshetra, 136119, Haryana, India.
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Nanda M, Sharma R. A comprehensive examination of the economic impact of out-of-pocket health expenditures in India. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:926-938. [PMID: 37409740 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of health expenditure is financed through out-of-pocket payments in India, imposing a colossal financial burden on households. Amidst the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, injuries, and an unfinished agenda of infectious diseases, this study examines comprehensively the economic impact of out-of-pocket health expenditure (OOPE) across 17 disease categories in India. Data from the latest round of the National Sample Survey (2017-18), titled 'Household Social Consumption: Health', were employed. Outcomes, namely, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), poverty headcount ratio, distressed financing, foregone care, and loss of household earnings, were estimated. Results showed that 49% of households that sought hospitalization and/or outpatient care experienced CHE and 15% of households fell below the poverty line due to OOPE. Notably, outpatient care was more burdensome (CHE: 47.8% and impoverishment: 15.0%) than hospitalization (CHE: 43.1% and impoverishment: 10.7%). Nearly 16% of households used distressed sources to finance hospitalization-related OOPE. Cancer, genitourinary disorders, psychiatric and neurological disorders, obstetric conditions, and injuries imposed a substantial economic burden on households. OOPE and associated financial burden were higher among households where members sought care in private healthcare facilities compared with those treated in public facilities across most disease categories. The high burden of OOPE necessitates the need to increase health insurance uptake and consider outpatient services under the purview of health insurance. Concerted efforts to strengthen the public health sector, improved regulation of private healthcare providers, and prioritizing health promotion and disease prevention strategies are crucial to augment financial risk protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehak Nanda
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, Vivek Vihar Phase 2, Delhi 110095, India
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- University School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Delhi Technological University, Vivek Vihar Phase 2, Delhi 110095, India
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Sengar M, Fundytus A, Hopman W, Pramesh CS, Radhakrishnan V, Ganesan P, Mathew A, Lombe D, Jalink M, Gyawali B, Trapani D, Roitberg F, De Vries EGE, Moja L, Ilbawi A, Sullivan R, Booth CM. Cancer Medicines: What Is Essential and Affordable in India? JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2200060. [PMID: 35853192 PMCID: PMC9812506 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The WHO essential medicines list (EML) guides selection of drugs for national formularies. Here, we evaluate which medicines are considered highest priority by Indian oncologists and the extent to which they are available in routine practice. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of an electronic survey developed by the WHO EML Cancer Medicine Working Group. The survey was distributed globally using a hierarchical snowball method to physicians who prescribe systemic anticancer therapy. The survey captured the 10 medicines oncologists considered highest priority for population health and their availability in routine practice. RESULTS The global study cohort included 948 respondents from 82 countries; 98 were from India and 67 were from other low- and middle-income countries. Compared with other low- and middle-income countries, the Indian cohort was more likely to be medical oncologist (70% v 31%, P < .001) and work exclusively in the private health system (52% v 17%, P < .001). 14/20 most commonly selected medicines were conventional cytotoxic drugs. Universal access to these medicines was reported by a minority of oncologists; risks of significant out-of-pocket expenditures for each medicine were reported by 19%-58% of oncologists. Risk of catastrophic expenditure was reported by 58%-67% of oncologists for rituximab and trastuzumab. Risks of financial toxicity were substantially higher within the private health system compared with the public system. CONCLUSION Most high-priority cancer medicines identified by Indian oncologists are generic chemotherapy agents that provide substantial improvements in survival and are already included in WHO EML. Access to these treatments remains limited by major financial burdens experienced by patients. This is particularly acute within the private health system. Strategies are urgently needed to ensure that high-quality cancer care is affordable and accessible to all patients in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sengar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Adam Fundytus
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Wilma Hopman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - C S Pramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Prasanth Ganesan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Aju Mathew
- Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, India
| | | | - Matthew Jalink
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Bishal Gyawali
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Dario Trapani
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Felipe Roitberg
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth G E De Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moja
- Department of Health Products Policy and Standards, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - André Ilbawi
- Department of Health Products Policy and Standards, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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Gulati K, Singh AR, Gupta SK, Sarkar C. Strengthening leadership capacity: an unaddressed issue in Indian healthcare system. Leadersh Health Serv (Bradf Engl) 2022; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 35396934 DOI: 10.1108/lhs-11-2021-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leadership skills are vital for efficient delivery of health reforms. India, a low- and middle-income country, is transforming its public health care significantly. The health workforce, particularly doctors, however lacks leadership skills. This study aims to highlight the leadership skills gap and raise concerns about how India might achieve its ambitious health reforms in the lack of formal, prospective leadership training for its workforce. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH This study conducted nine management development programmes between 2012 and 2020 and collected data from 416 (N = 444, 94% response rate) health-care professionals using a questionnaire. Participants were asked to inform leadership challenges that they perceived critical. A total of 47 unique challenges were identified, which were distributed across five domains of American College of Healthcare Executives Competency Assessment Tool (2020). Relevant information was also obtained from review of secondary sources including journal articles from scientific and grey literature and government websites. FINDINGS Majority of participants (85.36%) had never attended any management training and were from public sector (56.1%). Mean total experience was 18 years. Top 5 challenges were lack of motivation (54.26%), communication (52.38%), contracts management (48.31%), leadership skills (47.26%) and retention of workforce (45.56%). Maximum challenges (29) were in domain of business skills and knowledge, followed by knowledge of health-care environment (9), leadership, professionalism, and communication and relationship management (3 each). ORIGINALITY/VALUE In absence of the leadership training, senior health professionals particularly doctors in India, suffer leadership challenges. Efforts should be made to strengthen leadership capacity in Indian health-care system to advance the country's ongoing national health reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gulati
- Department of Centralized Core Research Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Angel Rajan Singh
- Department of Hospital Administration, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shakti Kumar Gupta
- Department of Hospital Administration, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Sharma S, Jaiswal AK, Singh RK, Kumar P, Mehra S. Differential access to facilities for medical termination of pregnancy and delivery in India: A secondary analysis. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2021.100825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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