30 per cent population without health insurance cover: NITI Aayog

Health care does not seem to be a priority for most Indians, many of whom are struggling to survive. A report by the NITI Aayog, states that only 40 crore individuals, that is around 30 per cent of the national population does not have health insurance cover, though there are claims that the number of people with insurance cover has gone up following the launch of Ayushman Bharat scheme by the Union Government.

The reports states that there is a need for a low-cost comprehensive insurance for those termed as the ‘missing middle’. ‘Missing middle’ is that section of the society which is neither covered by private health insurance schemes nor are under any state or central schemes, though this section has the ability to pay a nominal premium.

The report noted that private health insurance targets the high-income groups and is costlier by two to three times than the affordability of the missing middle. The affordable contributory health products like ESIC are not open to the general public.

There is now a proposal that the private and public sector should come up with a modified standardised health insurance plan to cover all diseases, with out-patient benefits.