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Socio-economic Factors and Household Health Expenditure

The Case of Orissa

Himanshu Sekhar Rout is at the PG Department of Economics, Dr. S.R.K. Government Arts College, Yanam 533 464. E-mail: hsrout_01{at}yahoo.com

Health is influenced by socio-economic factors like whole life-course, the neighbourhood in which one lives, past socio-economic factors, stress history, diet, income, education and many other factors. In this connection, the present article is a micro-level study based on primary data to find out the impact of income and education on household health expenditure in Orissa. It is found that income and education have positive and significant influence on health. Therefore, to tackle poverty—and, hence, health—it is necessary to consider the individual as well as the community. Community development projects that involve people in improving the local environment can provide a useful vehicle within which a wide variety of approaches can be used. Health planners and administrators may be involved in the planning process of the government to reduce poverty, and adopting policies for more equitable distribution of income. They can also recommend a specific health tax (an earmarked so-called hypothecated tax) devoted to health care. Again, spending more on health services does not necessarily buy better health. It needs efficient management and use of resources. A principle of equality of opportunity for access to services on the basis of need and equal risk, irrespective of ability to pay, should be followed.

Journal of Health Management, Vol. 10, No. 1, 101-118 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/097206340701000106


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