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India's Health Spending Cuts Maternal, Child Deaths, Boosts Care Access

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights that increased public health spending has improved the affordability and access to preventive and curative care in India. It documents a dramatic 86% reduction in maternal mortality since 1990, far exceeding the global average. Significant declines in infant and under-five mortality rates also showcase major advancements in neonatal and maternal care. Digital initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are further expanding access and transparency within the healthcare system.

Key Points: Economic Survey: Public Health Spending Improves Care, Cuts Mortality

  • Public health spending improves access
  • Maternal mortality down 86% since 1990
  • Under-five mortality rate declines 78%
  • Digital missions like ABDM enhance services
2 min read

Rising public health spending improved access to preventive, curative care: Economic Survey

India's increased public health spending has significantly reduced maternal & infant mortality and expanded access to healthcare, says Economic Survey.

"The country has made significant improvements in increasing access to healthcare by providing better and more affordable facilities through public investment in health - Economic Survey"

New Delhi, Jan 29

Increasing public health spending has improved access and affordability of preventive and curative care in the country, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26 on Thursday.

The Economic Survey tabled in the Parliament by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, drew attention to the importance of enhancements in public health for strengthening human capital and economic productivity.

"The country has made significant improvements in increasing access to healthcare by providing better and more affordable facilities through public investment in health, including access to preventive and curative care, nutrition, and health insurance," it said.

The improvements can be seen in reduced infant and maternal mortality rates, expanding immunisation coverage, and increasing access to primary healthcare services.

Initiatives like the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and various disease control programmes have contributed to these advancements.

The Survey documented that since 1990, India has reduced its maternal mortality rate (MMR) by 86 per cent, far exceeding the global average of 48 per cent.

Similarly, a 78 per cent decline in the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) was achieved, surpassing the global reduction of 61 per cent and a 70 per cent decline in the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) compared to 54 per cent globally during 1990-2023.

Notably, the infant mortality rate (IMR) marked a drop of more than 37 per cent over the past decade, declining from 40 deaths per thousand live births in 2013 to 25 in 2023. This marks improvement in the state of neonatal and maternal care, as well as overall healthcare and socioeconomic conditions.

The Survey also pointed out the use of digital technologies and ICT innovations to build integrated healthcare and insurance systems that enhance transparency, minimise fragmentation, and expand access.

"Initiatives such as the Hospital Management Information System, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and e-Sanjeevani have enhanced citizens' access to digital health services, created digital employment opportunities, enabled evidence-based policymaking, and improved hospital management," it said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the numbers improving, but the ground reality in tier-2 and tier-3 cities is still a struggle. Yes, primary health centres exist, but are they always staffed and stocked with medicines? The intent is right, but execution needs more focus. Hope the increased spending addresses these gaps.
A
Aditya G
The digital push with e-Sanjeevani is a game-changer for rural India. My parents live in a village and they consulted a specialist from Pune online for my father's blood pressure. Didn't have to travel for hours. This is what development looks like. Kudos to the teams working on this.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in public health, seeing India surpass global averages in reducing MMR and U5MR is phenomenal. It shows a sustained, multi-programme approach can work. The National Health Mission has been a solid backbone. The focus now must shift to quality and non-communicable diseases.
K
Karthik V
The numbers are impressive, no doubt. But we must not become complacent. The survey mentions 'affordability', yet for the middle class without an Ayushman card, private healthcare costs are still back-breaking. Public spending must also aim to regulate private sector costs. Overall, a step in the right direction.
M
Meera T
This makes me so hopeful for the future of our country. Healthy citizens mean a productive workforce and a stronger economy. The integration of technology is brilliant. Just hope the benefits reach the last person in the queue in remote areas. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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