Saqib Rather
Srinagar, Apr 26: In a region where private medical care often comes at a steep price, government hospitals continue to serve as the backbone of healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, according to the latest findings from the National Statistical Office.
Health report highlights that more than four out of every five hospitalisations in the Union Territory take place in public hospitals — a trend that experts say is critical in preventing families from falling into financial distress.
The report estimates that 80.5 percent of hospital admissions in J&K occur in government-run facilities, placing the region among the highest in the country in terms of reliance on public healthcare.Health economists view this as both a necessity and a safeguard.
“Public hospitals are not just an option here — they are the primary lifeline,” said Dr. Meenakshi Kaul, a public health specialist. “Without them, the financial burden on households would be significantly higher.”The numbers reveal a stark contrast in treatment expenses. On average, a hospital stay in a government facility costs around ₹10,549, while the same treatment in a private hospital can rise to over ₹50,000.
Overall, the average out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalisation in J&K stands at ₹23,079 — a moderate figure nationally, largely due to the cushioning effect of public healthcare.“This gap clearly shows how government hospitals are shielding people from catastrophic spending,” said an official in the health department. “For many families, private care is simply unaffordable.”
The divide between rural and urban healthcare choices is also evidgent. In rural areas, nearly 63 percent of patients seek treatment in public facilities, while only a small fraction turn to private hospitals.“In villages, government hospitals are often the only accessible and affordable option,” said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Baramulla. “Even if facilities are stretched, we depend on them.”Urban areas present a more mixed picture.
While about 31 percent still use public hospitals, a growing number are turning to private practitioners and clinics, particularly for outpatient care.Outpatient Costs Still a ConcernWhile hospitalisation expenses are relatively controlled, outpatient (OPD) care tells a different story. Patients in J&K spend an average of ₹1,820 per visit — among the highest in the country.Importantly, flagship health schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the SEHAT Scheme primarily cover hospitalisation, leaving OPD expenses to be borne by patients.
“OPD costs are an under-recognised burden,” said Dr. Irfan Lone, a general physician in Srinagar. “People may get free treatment when admitted, but they spend regularly on consultations, medicines, and diagnostics.”Despite playing a pivotal role, the public healthcare system continues to face challenges, including staff shortages and infrastructure gaps.
Yet, its importance remains undisputed.The report notes that around 25 out of every 1,000 people in J&K required hospitalisation over a one-year period — underscoring the steady demand for inpatient care.“Strengthening public healthcare is not just a policy choice; it’s an economic necessity,” said a senior official. “It is the only way to ensure equitable access in a region with diverse geography and income levels.”As private healthcare expands, its high costs continue to limit accessibility for large sections of the population.
In this context, public hospitals remain the primary buffer against rising medical expenses.“The challenge now is to improve quality while maintaining affordability,” said Dr. Kaul. “People trust the system — that trust needs to be matched with better services.”For now, the data makes one thing clear: in Jammu and Kashmir, public healthcare is not just a service — it is a financial shield for thousands of families navigating the cost of illness.
