Public-Private Dichotomy in Utilization of Health Care Services in India

Abstract

This paper attempts to highlight the differences in utilization of health care services provided by the public and private sectors in India. In addition, it also explores a marked regional pattern in utilization of health services. Using the large-scale national survey data (DLHS RCH-II, 2002-04 and 60th round National Sample Survey, 2004), the authors have selected socio-economic as well as demographic factors determining health treatment seeking behavior, in terms of availing services from public or private sources, which have been addressed with objectivity. Furthermore, selected states of India have been ranked on the basis of extent of inequality (in terms of economic status) in utilization of health services from public and private sources. The paper, in its totality, advocates for economically affordable and better quality health care services for the masses.