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Survey highlights rising healthcare access, lower costs, and expanding insurance coverage across rural and urban India
April 29, 2026: A new survey by the National Statistical Office (NSO) has revealed a significant improvement in healthcare access across India, driven by increased public investment, expanded infrastructure, and wider insurance coverage. The 80th round of the Household Consumption: Health survey covered over 1.39 lakh households across rural and urban areas, offering detailed insights into healthcare affordability and usage. According to the report, government initiatives have strengthened primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems while improving access to free medicines and diagnostics.
The findings show that the median out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalisation in 2025 stood at ₹11,285, with costs in public facilities remaining significantly lower—around ₹1,100 for more than half of cases. Notably, non-hospitalisation care in public facilities often involves zero expenditure, reflecting improved affordability. Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the expansion of over 1.84 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have played a key role in reducing financial barriers and expanding healthcare reach. Insurance coverage has also surged, with rural coverage rising to 45.5% and urban coverage to 31.8%.
The report also points to rising healthcare demand and awareness, with the proportion of people reporting ailments nearly doubling in both rural and urban areas. While infectious diseases have declined, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions are on the rise. Increased use of public healthcare facilities, especially in rural outpatient care, along with improved maternal health indicators like higher institutional deliveries, reflects a broader shift towards accessible and preventive healthcare across the country.