Public Health Expenditure and Economic Development in India
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between public health expenditure and economic development in India from independence to 2011. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes trends in public health spending, key health indicators, and their correlation with economic growth. The research reveals that while India's economic growth has been substantial, particularly post-1991 economic reforms, public health expenditure has remained consistently low as a percentage of GDP. This underinvestment has resulted in poor health outcomes, potentially hampering economic development. The study finds that improvements in health indicators have been slower than economic growth rates, suggesting a complex relationship between health spending and economic progress. The paper concludes that increased and more efficient public health expenditure is crucial for sustainable economic development in India
Keywords
Public Health Expenditure Economic growth Healthy populations and Economic Development