ABSTRACT
Background: RSBY, a health insurance scheme, was launched by the Indian government to protect BPL families from incurring financial liabilities which are likely to occur due to hospitalization. Objectives was to compare over all OOPE among RSBY beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries and to estimate its extent during hospitalization in different domains among RSBY beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted for 2 months (January-February 2018) among BPL families residing in Ganjam district, Odisha. Multistage random sampling was done. Total sample size was 256, the number of beneficiaries and non beneficiaries taken was 128 each.Results: Non beneficiaries incurred higher overall OOPE higher i.e. 95.3% than the Beneficiaries and it was found to be statistically significant with x²=74.8 and P-value <0.001. Among beneficiaries out of pocket expenditure was found in 46.1% of the study population. 45.3% of beneficiaries had to borrow partially from friends and relatives to fulfil their hospital related expenses followed by 32% borrowing fully for their treatment. Among beneficiaries, most out of pocket expenditure was for life support services as they sought treatment mostly for surgical conditions.Conclusions: Health insurance coverage should be improved by increasing enrolment. People should be made aware about the services covered under the schemes.
ABSTRACT
Background: Ocular morbidities in children can have a serious impact on development, education and quality of life in children hence require prompt attention. This study was conducted with an objective to determine the pattern of ocular morbidity in children less than 15 years of age presenting in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of MKCG Medical College, Berhampur.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2016 to January 2017 among 282 children. Data was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire after taking informed consent and analyzed.Results: Majority were in the age group of 10-14 years (55.3%). The common presenting symptoms were blurred vision (29.1%) and headache (7.8%). The common ocular morbidities reported were refractive error (34%), ocular infection (13.5%), ocular trauma (9.9%), allergic conjunctivitis (9.2%). Refractive error was more prevalent in children of aged 11-14 years and ocular trauma in 5-9 years compared to children of the other age group.Conclusions: Majority of ocular morbidities are preventable and treatable. So early attention through eye screening and intervention programme at the community level is recommended.
ABSTRACT
The effective functioning of any health system requires an effi cient public health service. Every human being has the right to enjoy “the highest attainable standard of health,” which can be fulfi lled by giving every man an affordable and equitable health system he deserves and demands. In these years, complex health changes have complicated the situation in India. Most important gaps in the health care include an understanding of the burden of the disease and what leads to and causes ill health, the availability and use of appropriate technology in the management of disease, ill health and health systems that have an impact on service delivery. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has the potential to increase economic growth, improve educational opportunities, reduce impoverishment and inequalities, and foster social cohesion. Steps taken for achieving UHC will address the public health challenges and vice versa.