ArticleBMJ global health2025
Examining the cost of outpatient care for female patients: insights from private healthcare services.
Article in BMJ global health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionThe Indian healthcare system is consistently focusing on delivering equitable and affordable healthcare to its citizens. Yet, despite the country's progress towards universal health coverage, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are still a significant barrier, particularly for outpatient services. This study examines the female patients' perspectives on the outpatient department's (OPD) affordability, focusing on (1) the socioeconomic profile of female respondents and its influence on perception of costing of healthcare services and (2) presents the specific Out Patient Department (OPD) expense related components that impose the financial constraints and the unmet healthcare needs. Findings can guide the healthcare providers in designing cost-effective services and policies on reducing the financial difficulties for availing the healthcare services.
methodsWe conducted the research study using the structured questionnaire survey engaging female patients visiting OPD services in private hospitals of Chennai, Tamil Nadu (n=200).
resultsRespondents accessed varied OPD specialties in the hospitals like gynaecology and obstetrics, cardiology, orthopaedics, etc, with a mean age of 40 years with the covered range of 21 to 70 years. Across the various income groups, respondents consistently emphasised the need for cost restructuring. The out-of-pocket expenditure was primarily distributed among Pharmacy costs, followed by the cost of hospital visits and other miscellaneous healthcare expenses. 83% of the respondents rated the hospital's charges as expensive for the OPD services, and 85% of them also reported unmet needs due to affordability. The cost for follow-up consultations and diagnostic scan services were presented as a major financial constraint affecting affordability of the healthcare services.
conclusionThis study presents key components of OPD services and the cost-related unmet healthcare needs among female respondents. Addressing these concerns, targeted price structuring can help healthcare providers to improve healthcare utilisation and deliver cost-effective OPD services. Moreover, expanding the implementation of such measures at the national and global level of healthcare system would strengthen progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, aiming for equitable access without financial hardship.
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