National Current Affairs

Background: The National Health Account (NHA) provides a comprehensive picture of health expenditure in India. It tracks the flow of resources in the health sector, including government spending, private spending, and household contributions. Current Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has released the NHA estimates for the financial year 2021-22. These estimates indicate a significant increase in government health expenditure as a percentage of the total health expenditure. However, they also highlight a continued high share of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) by households, despite efforts to reduce it. Impact: The NHA estimates are crucial for policymakers to understand the financing patterns of healthcare in India. The findings will help in formulating strategies to improve health financing, reduce financial barriers to healthcare access, and achieve universal health coverage goals. The data provides insights into the effectiveness of existing health insurance schemes and the need for further reforms.

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Background: The Indian government has been committed to achieving universal health coverage through various initiatives. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship scheme providing health insurance to vulnerable families. Current Context: On August 23, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the 'Ayushman Bhav' campaign. This nationwide initiative aims to ensure saturation coverage of all AB-PMJAY beneficiaries and achieve the goal of universal health coverage by reaching every eligible individual. Impact: The campaign will focus on creating 'Ayushman Villages' and 'Ayushman Wards' by promoting health and wellness activities at the grassroots level, thereby strengthening the healthcare ecosystem and ensuring equitable access to health services for all citizens.