NSO Survey Flags Higher Government Hospital Costs in Poorer States

The National Statistics Office’s Household Social Consumption: Health Survey for 2025 shows wide variation in what patients pay at government hospitals, as per the news report. The average out-of-pocket expense per hospitalisation across India stands at ₹6,631.  

Several states, however, report figures well above this level, indicating uneven cost burdens despite treatment in public facilities. 

Higher Burden in Low-Income Regions 

Bihar reported an average spend of ₹10,553 per case. Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand were higher at ₹12,878 and ₹12,364 respectively. These states are among the lowest in per capita income, yet households incur costs above the national average.  

The gap suggests that lower income levels do not necessarily translate into lower treatment expenses. 

Northeast and Smaller States Lead 

Among all states, the highest costs were recorded in the Northeast. Nagaland reported ₹16,342 per hospitalisation, followed by Manipur at ₹16,007 and Sikkim at ₹14,564.  

Himachal Pradesh also reported ₹13,084. Chandigarh, among Union territories, stood out with ₹24,013 per case, the highest recorded in the survey. 

Lower Spending in Southern and Western States 

Southern and western states reported comparatively lower costs. Tamil Nadu recorded ₹1,357 per case, while Goa stood at ₹1,637. Odisha reported ₹2,496, and Gujarat and Telangana recorded ₹3,619 and ₹3,711 respectively.  

Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh remained below ₹5,000, indicating relatively lower out-of-pocket spending. 

Insurance Coverage and Overall Costs 

The survey noted an increase in insurance coverage between 2017-18 and 2025. Rural coverage rose from 14.1% to 47.4%, while urban coverage increased from 19.1% to 44.3%. 

Despite this, the average hospitalisation cost across sectors stood at ₹34,064, with a median of ₹11,285. 

Read More: Household LPG Sales Fall 8% In March Amid Supply Disruptions! 

Conclusion 

The data highlights persistent regional differences in public hospital costs, with higher spending concentrated in poorer and northeastern states, while several southern and western states report lower expenditure levels. 

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