Catastrophic health expenditure in rural areas of Punjab and impact of sehat sahulat program

Abstract

This study uses the ability-to-pay method to look into the disparities in catastrophic health expenditure. In order to examine socioeconomic disparities in CHE, both conventional and generalized concentration indicators were utilized. The findings showed that Punjab's impoverished were disproportionately to CHE. The primary cause of this inequality was wealth status with higher wealth quantiles contributing more heavily. Furthermore, factors such as the employment and educational status of the household head, private healthcare provision, and access to inpatient care negatively impacted CHE inequality in rural areas of Punjab. The Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP) is highlighted as one of the country's most significant achievements in healthcare.