Tamil Nadu Records Lowest OOP Medical Spending in Public Hospitals
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- According to the National Sample Survey (NSS) report titled “Household Social Consumption: Health”, Tamil Nadu recorded the lowest Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenditure (OOPME) for hospitalisation in public hospitals among major Indian States.
- The average OOPME for in-patient care in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu was ₹1,357, significantly lower than the national average of ₹6,631.
- The survey covered hospitalisation expenditure incurred during the previous 365 days, excluding childbirth-related treatment.
- Despite low expenditure in public hospitals, Tamil Nadu reported very high OOPME levels in private and charitable hospitals.
- Across all hospitals (urban and rural combined), the average OOPME in Tamil Nadu stood at ₹44,535 compared to the national average of ₹34,064.
- In charitable hospitals, the average OOPME in rural areas was ₹1,68,697, while in urban areas it was ₹53,237.
- In private hospitals, OOPME was ₹72,979 in rural areas and ₹75,149 in urban areas.
- The overall average OOPME for private hospitalisation in Tamil Nadu was ₹74,168, much higher than the national average of ₹50,508.
- The findings indicate strong affordability in the State’s public healthcare system,
