Household Social Consumption: Health

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the report titled ‘Household Social Consumption: Health’, based on the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS), conducted from January to December 2025.

The survey reveals that about 13.1% of individuals reported suffering from ailments, including chronic conditions, during a 15-day reference period in 2025—almost double the 7.5% reported in 2017–18, indicating increased disease reporting. The prevalence of illness was significantly higher among the elderly (60 years and above).

The hospitalization rate stood at 2.9% over a 365-day period, with the highest rate among the elderly (8.1%). Among younger groups, children aged 0–4 years recorded the highest hospitalization rate at 3.4%.

The report highlights a decline in infectious diseases, while cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Hypertension, Diabetes, and Thyroid disorders have increased, reflecting a shifting disease burden.

On maternal health, the survey notes near-universal institutional deliveries, with about 96% of childbirths occurring in hospitals during the reference period.

Additionally, health insurance coverage has expanded, largely driven by government-sponsored schemes, compared to the levels observed in the previous NSS health survey (2017–18).

Source: PIB