Rural Delhi spends more on hospitalisation than urban localities

On an average, Delhiites spend around `22,286 for every hospitalisation, according to the data cited in the study Social Consumption on Health in Delhi.

Delhi’s rural population spends more money on hospitalisation than their urban counterparts, shows data released by the Delhi government on Thursday.

The data said people in rural areas spend more — around Rs31,358 – as compared to people living in urban areas who spend Rs 21,644 for every hospitalisation. (Hindustan Times)

On an average, Delhiites spend around `22,286 for every hospitalisation, according to the data cited in the study Social Consumption on Health in Delhi.

The data said people in rural areas spend more — around `31,358 – as compared to people living in urban areas who spend ` 21,644 for every hospitalisation.

This amount includes doctors’ fees, bed charges, cost of medicines and diagnostic tests and other material and services needed at the hospital.

If the cost of conveyance and other non-medical needs — such as food — is added, the total comes up to `24,952 for people living in urban areas and `34,037 for people living in rural areas, the report showed.

“The average expenditure incurred for treatment per hospitalized case, excluding child birth, has been estimated at `24,952 in urban areas of Delhi as against an average of `26,455 in other states of India. The average expenditure incurred for treatment per hospitalisation in urban areas of other states like Punjab is `31,978, Haryana `35,217, Himachal Pradesh `31,160 and Uttar Pradesh `33,402,” said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

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The minister said Delhiites are healthier than the rest of the country because the rate of hospitalisation is less than the national average. The rate of hospitalisation, including child birth, per thousand population was 41 in urban Delhi, which was lower than the national average of 49, he said.

“The comparative figure in urban areas of Punjab was 40, Haryana 50, Himachal Pradesh 33, Jammu & Kashmir 37, Rajasthan 43 and Uttar Pradesh 40,” said Sisodia.

The report, which is based on the results of the 71st round of the National Sample Survey (NSS), also showed that 48 in every 1,000 person living in rural area and 50 in urban areas suffered from some kind of ailment.

In Delhi, out of total ailing persons, about 9.86% persons opted for alternative AYUSH – Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy – treatment.

The data collection for the 71st NSS round was done between January - June 2014.