The percentage of Kerala households reporting catastrophic expenditure due to health reasons is more than 20% - perhaps the highest in India.
Percentage of exclusively private outpatient cases - 69%
Percentage of private in-patient cases - 66%
More than two-thirds of the population depends on the private sector for health care.
Percentage of private in-patient cases - 66%
More than two-thirds of the population depends on the private sector for health care.
Yet, there is a strong public health system there with a focus on functioning primary health care, & a strong public health oriented approach. The public hospitals also act as a benchmark for the private sector, and ensures some element of self regulation, aided with the media.
There is a natural element of trust in the government among the population, in matters regarding public health where human rights may be sacrtificed for the greater good. We saw it many times, Nipah, floods etc. It is not ideal, but much better than many other parts of India..
It may be headed by a radical social democratic party, but Kerala government would not need to implement public health measures with an "iron hand" like we are seeing in Communist China. Trust among the people earned over years will ensure voluntary compliance. n/n
Reference: Data cited from brookings.edu/wp-content/upl… authored by @ShamikaRavi
