Question : EXPENDITURE ON HEALTH CARE

(a) whether the Government is aware that only 17% of all health expenditure in India is borne by the Union Government and the rest is being borne privately by the people making it one of the most highly privatised health care system of the world;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) the public expenditure on medicines for the common people in Primary Health Centres and Government Dispensaries; and

(d) the break-up of expenditure on preventive and curative measures in rural areas during the last three years?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) & b) As per the World Health Report, 2005, the Government spends 21.3% out of the total expenditure on health and rest are being borne privately by the people in India which is relatively high compared to other countries. The reasons for this include inter-alia inadequate public health infrastructure.

(c) & (d) Information is being collected.