Latest NSO results show rise in health-seeking behaviour, relatively low out-of-pocket medical expenses

Health-seeking behaviour in India is improving as the proportion of the population reported ailing (PPRA) in 2025 nearly doubled in 2017-18 from 6.8% to 12.2% in rural areas, and 9.1% to 14.9% in urban areas, according to the latest findings of the National Statistical Office (NSO), in the 80th round of the household consumption health survey released on Wednesday (April 29, 2026). 

Expansion in coverage under government health insurance and financing schemes rose more than threefold — increasing from 12.9% to 45.5% in rural areas, and 8.9% to 31.8% in urban areas, the NSO reported.