Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 28: Kerala continues to record one of the highest out-of-pocket expenditures on hospital care in the country, raising concerns over the financial burden on patients despite the state’s strong public health indicators.

Recent data indicates that individuals in Kerala spend a significant share of their own money on hospital treatment, including costs related to medicines, diagnostics and procedures, even as public healthcare infrastructure remains relatively advanced compared to many other states.

Health experts attribute the high out-of-pocket expenses to factors such as greater reliance on private hospitals, higher treatment costs and increased demand for specialised care. While government schemes and insurance coverage have improved access, they have not fully offset the financial burden on households.

The trend highlights the need for strengthening affordable healthcare services and expanding insurance coverage to reduce direct spending by patients. Experts have called for enhanced regulation of private healthcare costs and improved access to subsidised treatment options to ease the pressure on families.