Contemporary Universal Health Coverage in India – The Case of Federal State of Odisha (Orissa)

Abstract

The present study assessed the awareness of the public about Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), which is a flagship public-funded health insurance scheme of the Government of Odisha. The study also identified its determinants and examined utilisation of the scheme among households in Khordha district of Odisha. Materials and Methods: Primary data were collected from randomly chosen 150 households using a pretested structured questionnaire from Balipatana block of Khordha district, Odisha. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression were used to substantiate the objectives. Results:The study found that even though 56.70% of the sample households had heard about BSKY, procedure-specific awareness was low. State government organised BSKY health insurance camp was found to be a major source of knowledge among the sample. The regression model had an R 2 of 0.414. The Chi 2 value showed that the model with predictor variables was a good fit. Caste, gender, economic category, health insurance, and awareness about insurance were significant determinants of BSKY awareness. A majority (79.30%) of the sample had the scheme card with them. However, only 12.60% of the cardholders used the card and only 10.67% received benefits. Mean out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) faced by the beneficiaries is Rs. 15743.59. Among the beneficiaries, 53.80% financed the OOPE from their savings, 38.50% by borrowing, and 7.70% financed the OOPE by both means. Conclusion:The study found that even though majority of people had heard about BSKY, they were not aware of its nature, features, and operational procedures. The trend of low benefit received and higher OOPE among the scheme beneficiaries hampers the economic health of the poor. Finally, the study highlighted the need to increase the magnitude of scheme coverage and administrative efficiency.

Random forest model used to predict the medical out-of-pocket costs of hypertensive patients

“…Most contemporary health systems have achieved a certain degree of universal health coverage, particularly with regards to prevention, screening, diagnostics, and treatment of major NCDs such as hypertension ( 35 ). Given the long and clinically unpredictable course of the disease, most systems cover provision and reimbursement of essential medicines for hypertension and regular physician visits in primary care through the medical insurance premiums ( 36 ).…”

Future health expenditure in the BRICS countries: a forecasting analysis for 2035

“…It remains possible that the BRICS’ national health agendas will influence and direct the global health agenda. By 2035, China and India will have 35% of the world’s population [ 48 ], and with India already surpassing China as the most populous country, the scenario has become more likely [ 49 ]. WHO has acknowledged how BRICS have contributed to global health improvement through various domestic actions and policies on UHC and other health issues.…”

“…India launched the world’s largest food subsidy programme in 2013. Such massive investments will certainly have an effect on the global health agenda if the resources are used efficiently to enhance effectiveness and achieve maximum health system outcomes [ 48 , 50 – 52 ].…”