How much does India spend on healthcare compared to China?

India spends approximately 3.31 percent of its GDP on healthcare, while China allocates 5.57 percent.

What are the consequences of low public health spending in India?

Low public health spending in India is linked to lower life expectancy, higher mortality rates, and catastrophic healthcare costs that push millions into poverty.

Why do Indians live fewer years than Chinese citizens?

Indians live approximately nine years less than Chinese citizens, a disparity linked to India's lower healthcare spending and public health investment.

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India's Health Spend Lags China: Life Expectancy Suffers

30 Jan

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Summary

India spends 3.31% of GDP on healthcare, China spends 5.57%.
Low public health spending is linked to lower life expectancy.
Millions are pushed into poverty by catastrophic medical costs.

India's Health Spend Lags China: Life Expectancy Suffers

India allocates approximately 3.31 percent of its GDP to healthcare, a figure substantially lower than China's 5.57 percent. This disparity reflects differing national priorities concerning public health.

A significant portion of India's healthcare expenditure, about 1.47 percent of GDP, comes from private spending, rather than government investment. This reliance on out-of-pocket payments contributes to what are often termed catastrophic healthcare costs for families.

Public health experts caution that insufficient government investment weakens healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas, and exacerbates poverty. This is directly linked to reduced life expectancy and higher mortality rates.