New Delhi, Nov. 15 -- India's government health spending nearly tripled over a decade, while households' share of the country's total healthcare bill fell sharply, pointing to a gradual shift away from out-of-pocket financing towards public funding.

The share of healthcare expenditure borne by households declined to 42.7% in 2023-24 from 64.2% in 2013-14, according to the National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates released by the Union health ministry on Sunday.

"The simultaneous increase in public healthcare financing and decline in the proportion of spending borne directly by households reflects India's progress towards a more accessible, affordable and financially protective healthcare system," the ministry said in a release.

Governme...