Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: NSO, health indicators, institutional delivery
Mains: GS Paper 2 & 3 — Health, Social Development, Economy

Why in News?

The latest survey by the National Statistical Office (NSO) shows that more people in India are seeking healthcare, indicating improved awareness and access to medical services.

What is Health-Seeking Behaviour?

👉 It refers to:

• Actions taken by individuals to:
  • Maintain health
  • Seek treatment when ill

Key Findings from NSO Survey

1. Increase in Reported Illness

• PRPA nearly doubled since 2017–18

➤ Meaning:

• More awareness
• Better reporting

2. Rise in Institutional Deliveries

• Over:
  • 95% in rural areas
  • 97% in urban areas

3. Expansion of Health Insurance

• Coverage increased significantly:
  • Rural: 12.9% → 45.5%
  • Urban: 8.9% → 31.8%

4. Increased Use of Public Healthcare

• Rural outpatient usage rising

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

• Median OOPE for hospitalisation:
  → ₹11,285
• In public hospitals:
  → Much lower (~₹1,100)

➤ Shows:

• Public healthcare is more affordable

Emerging Concerns

Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases

Why Improvement Happened

1. Government Schemes

• Ayushman Bharat
• State health insurance programs

2. Better Healthcare Access

• Expansion of:
  • Primary healthcare
  • Diagnostics

3. Preventive Care Focus

• Awareness programs
• Early diagnosis

India-Specific Significance

• Reflects:
  • Improvement in healthcare system
  • Better service utilisation

➤ Supports:

• Human development

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Higher reporting of illness ≠ worsening health

✔ It indicates:

• Better awareness
• Improved access

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. NSO stands for:

A. National Security Office
B. National Statistical Office
C. National Service Organisation
D. National Survey Office

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Health-seeking behaviour refers to:

A. Economic growth
B. Seeking healthcare services
C. Trade policy
D. Agriculture

✅ Answer: B

Q3. OOPE means:

A. Government spending
B. Out-of-pocket expenditure
C. Insurance cost
D. Subsidy

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Which disease is non-communicable?

A. Malaria
B. Tuberculosis
C. Diabetes
D. Dengue

✅ Answer: C

Q5. Institutional delivery refers to:

A. Home delivery
B. Hospital delivery
C. Food delivery
D. Transport

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Improved health-seeking behaviour reflects both progress and emerging challenges in India’s healthcare system.” Discuss.

FAQs

1. What is health-seeking behaviour?

Actions taken to maintain health or seek treatment.

2. Why is it increasing in India?

Due to better awareness, insurance, and access.

3. What is OOPE?

Out-of-pocket medical expenses paid by individuals.

4. What is a key concern?

Rise in non-communicable diseases.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 2 & GS Paper 3.