The National Statistical Office (NSO) 80th Round Survey, released on April 29, 2026, highlights significant advancements in India's healthcare system. Covering over 139,000 households across rural and urban India, the survey shows a marked increase in healthcare access and affordability. The median out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for hospitalizations is ₹11,285, with public facilities offering a striking median OOPE of just ₹1,100. Notably, outpatient care in public facilities is often free, reflecting successful initiatives like the Free Drugs Service Initiative.

Healthcare utilization has risen, particularly in rural areas where outpatient care usage increased from 28% in 2014 to 35% in 2025. The survey also reveals that insurance coverage has tripled, with rural areas seeing coverage rise from 12.9% to 45.5%. Maternal health outcomes have improved significantly, with institutional deliveries reaching 95.6% in rural areas and 97.8% in urban areas. However, a shift towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses new challenges, emphasizing the need for preventive care and long-term management strategies. Overall, the NSO survey underscores the progress made in India's healthcare landscape while highlighting areas that require ongoing attention.