Kashmir: Government data presented in the Lok Sabha has revealed a significant rise in Jammu and Kashmir’s per capita government health expenditure, which jumped from RS 1,554 in 2019-20 to Rs 4,336 in 2021-22. This increase highlights efforts to improve healthcare access in the Union Territory, but it also raises concerns about overall national health spending, which remains below 1 percent of GDP.
According to figures from the Union Budget, India’s total health allocation stood at 0.35 percent of GDP in 2020-21 and declined to 0.33 percent in 2021-22. While the absolute budget for healthcare increased from Rs 69,234 crore to Rs 76,902 crore, the rise in GDP outpaced health sector funding.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the per capita health expenditure surged in 2020-21, reaching Rs 2,943, before further increasing to Rs 4,336 in 2021-22. This marks a substantial improvement over previous years and places J&K above the national average of Rs 3,169 per capita.
The government also disclosed that out-of-pocket health expenditure remains a concern, with year-wise state-wise data annexed to the response. Despite increased public spending, many residents still bear high personal costs for medical care, indicating the need for further strengthening of government-funded healthcare schemes.
The Central Government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, continues to allocate funds to states and union territories, including JK, under various health programmes. The National Health Accounts data for 2021-22 shows that the Union Government contributed 41.8 percent to overall government health spending, while state governments covered 58.2 percent.
With the latest budget allocations expected to be revealed soon, experts and policymakers will be closely watching whether the rising healthcare needs of J&K and other states receive proportionate financial support in the coming years.
