J&K sees progress in healthcare financing

Srinagar, Jan 31: The Economic Survey 2024-25, released today, highlights the centre’s intensified focus on building a robust mental health ecosystem and combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while highlighting significant strides in J&K's healthcare sector.

The report emphasises the critical link between mental well-being, lifestyle choices, and India’s economic growth, urging immediate action to address rising health challenges.

The survey highlights India’s rights-based approach under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, with 47 Mental Health Institutes now operational nationwide. The National Mental Health Program continues to expand services across primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. A key milestone is the launch of the Tele-MANAS Mobile Application on October 10, 2024, offering round-the-clock mental health support. Video consultations under Tele-MANAS have been piloted in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, with plans for nationwide scaling, the report highlights.

The Economic Survey flags concerns over rising mental health issues among youth, linking excessive social media use to anxiety and depression. Citing Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation”, it warns of the “phone-based childhood” epidemic. Global moves, like Australia’s proposed ban on social media for under-16s, are noted as potential models. The survey calls for school and family-level interventions to promote outdoor activities and strengthen family bonds as antidotes to screen addiction.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 61.8% of deaths in India (2016 data), driven by cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses. To tackle this, the government’s Population-Based Screening (PBS) initiative has screened over 39.8 crore individuals aged 30 for diabetes, hypertension, and cancers since 2018. The National NCD Portal, integrated with Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs, ensures seamless data management for early intervention.

Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco, and alcohol remain key risk factors. The survey stresses reducing ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and improving dietary quality to curb NCDs, aligning with its earlier emphasis on mental well-being.

The 2024-25 survey highlights PMJAY's significant impact on reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, resulting in over ₹1.25 lakh crore in savings. The survey also notes 72.81 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts created under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, marking progress in digitizing healthcare. Government health expenditure has risen from 29% in FY15 to 48% in FY22, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Health Financing Progress Matrix, Sub-National Assessment Jammu and Kashmir, India 2024, a WHO-backed survey reveals J&K’s progress in healthcare financing. Out-of-pocket spending dropped from 58% of total health expenditure (THE) in 2016-17 to 43% in 2017-18, while government health expenditure (GHE) rose to 54% of THE. This shift is attributed to PMJAY SEHAT (extending Ayushman Bharat to J&K) and expanded Health and Wellness Centers providing free primary care. The UT’s reliance on domestic resources is hailed as a sustainable model enhancing financial protection for citizens.

The Economic Survey warns that hostile workplace cultures, overwork, and poor lifestyle choices threaten both mental health and economic productivity. It advocates for holistic policies targeting childhood habits, workplace reforms, and stronger public health infrastructure.