How Rising Public Health Spending Is Improving Access to Preventive and Curative Care in India

India’s Economic Survey 2025-26 has highlighted an encouraging shift in the country’s healthcare landscape. According to the Survey, increased public health spending by the government is improving access to preventive and curative healthcare services, helping millions of citizens receive better and more affordable treatment.

Doctor providing healthcare consultation in a public hospital showing improved access to preventive and curative care in India
Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights that rising public health spending is improving healthcare access across India.

This development is important not only from a public health perspective but also from an economic one, because healthier citizens contribute to stronger productivity and national growth.

What the Economic Survey Says About Public Health Spending

The Survey notes that India has been steadily increasing investments in the public healthcare system. This includes spending on:

  • Hospitals and health infrastructure

  • Primary healthcare centres

  • Preventive health programmes

  • Disease control initiatives

  • Insurance coverage and support schemes

The goal is clear: to reduce the burden of healthcare costs on families and ensure that people, especially in rural and low-income areas, can access medical services without financial stress.

Improved Access to Preventive and Curative Healthcare

Preventive Care

Preventive care focuses on stopping diseases before they become severe. Increased spending has supported:

  • Immunisation programmes

  • Maternal and child health services

  • Nutrition-related interventions

  • Awareness campaigns for lifestyle diseases

These measures help reduce long-term health risks and prevent complications that often become expensive to treat later.

Curative Care

Curative care refers to treatment after illness occurs. With higher government support, more people can now access:

  • Hospital treatment

  • Medicines and diagnostic services

  • Emergency care facilities

  • Specialist consultations

This is especially significant for families who previously depended on private healthcare, often leading to heavy out-of-pocket expenses.

Major Improvements in Health Indicators

The Survey highlights strong progress in India’s health outcomes over the years. Some key improvements include:

  • Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has reduced significantly compared to past decades

  • Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has dropped sharply, showing better child survival rates

  • Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has also improved, reflecting better care for newborns

These improvements suggest that rising public health spending is not just a policy change—it is creating real impact on the ground.

Government Programmes Supporting Healthcare Growth

The Economic Survey credits major health programmes for strengthening the system, including:

National Health Mission

Focused on improving healthcare services at the primary and rural levels, ensuring people can access care closer to home.

Ayushman Bharat

A major healthcare scheme that expands access to affordable treatment and hospitalisation support for eligible families.

Disease Control and Public Health Initiatives

Efforts aimed at tackling communicable and non-communicable diseases through structured national programmes.

Technology and Digital Healthcare Support

The Survey also points out the role of digital health tools and integration. Technology is helping improve:

  • Telemedicine access

  • Health records management

  • Faster service delivery

  • Better tracking of health programmes

Digital support is especially useful for rural communities where specialist doctors and advanced hospitals may not be easily available.

Why This Matters for India’s Future

Rising public health spending is not just about treating illnesses—it is about building a healthier society. Better healthcare access means:

  • Lower medical expenses for families

  • Reduced poverty caused by health costs

  • Improved life expectancy

  • Stronger workforce and productivity

In the long term, investing in healthcare strengthens the country’s human capital and supports economic development.

Conclusion

The Economic Survey 2025-26 presents a positive message: India’s growing public health spending is improving access to preventive and curative healthcare services. With better infrastructure, expanded schemes, and digital health support, more citizens are now able to receive timely and affordable medical care.

If this momentum continues, India’s healthcare system could become stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient in the coming years.

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