Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as one of the most affordable states in India for hospital treatment, with patients incurring significantly lower out-of-pocket medical expenses compared to the national average, according to findings from the latest National Sample Survey (NSS).
The survey, conducted under the 80th round of the National Sample Survey, covered 5,288 households across Odisha and assessed healthcare utilization and hospitalization-related expenditures.
According to the findings, the average out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalization in Odisha stands at Rs 16,948, which is less than half of the national average of Rs 34,064. The figures highlight the state’s progress in making healthcare services more accessible and affordable for its residents.
The survey also found that hospitalization costs in Odisha’s private healthcare sector remain below the national average, indicating relatively lower treatment expenses even in non-government facilities.
A particularly notable finding was the low expenditure incurred by patients in government hospitals. The average hospitalization expense in public healthcare facilities in Odisha was reported at Rs 2,496, substantially lower than the national average of Rs 6,631. This suggests that public health institutions in the state are providing affordable treatment while reducing the financial burden on patients.
The survey further revealed a clear rural-urban disparity in healthcare spending. Urban residents were found to spend more on hospitalization than their rural counterparts, largely due to a greater reliance on private healthcare facilities and specialized medical services available in urban areas.
Health experts attribute Odisha’s relatively low healthcare costs to sustained investments by the state government in strengthening public health infrastructure and expanding access to essential medical services. Initiatives such as free diagnostic services, enhanced tertiary healthcare facilities, expanded insurance coverage and improved availability of medicines in government hospitals have played a significant role in reducing out-of-pocket expenditure.
The findings underscore the positive impact of continued public investment in healthcare and suggest that Odisha’s efforts to improve affordability and accessibility are yielding measurable benefits for patients across the state.
As healthcare costs continue to rise in many parts of the country, Odisha’s performance offers an example of how targeted government interventions and stronger public health systems can help protect households from excessive medical expenses while improving access to quality care.
-OdishaAge
