Public Financing for Health Coverage in India

Any discussion on universal health coverage in India is premature without a comprehensive understanding of public financing of health coverage in the country. This article analyses the government's share of financial resources for health across different agents, with particular focus on resources for health coverage. An attempt is made to separate spending for health in general and health coverage in particular, and to examine the issue of equity. The analysis indicates that the present health coverage system is inadequate and iniquitous, with various systems running at different costs. It suggests consolidating finances and moving towards a more unified system to realise the benefits of efficiency gains.