Inequalities in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure for Vascular Healthcare Services in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background & Objectives:

This study rigorously examines the magnitude and factors influencing inequities in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) for vascular healthcare services in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.  Vascular diseases necessitating expensive diagnostics, medical management, and surgical or endovascular interventions frequently impose a considerable financial burden on households.  The main goal is to find out how much more people spend on vascular care out of pocket and what social, economic, and health system factors cause these differences in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Methods:

The analysis is based on primary household-level data that was gathered from two districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.  The distribution and concentration of vascular-related OOP spending across socioeconomic strata have been evaluated using a combination of descriptive statistics and sophisticated inequality measures like the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and Theil index.  These tools make it possible to comprehend financial inequalities in vascular diagnostics, emergency care, surgery, and long-term disease management in detail.

Results:

Significant inequalities in OOP spending for vascular healthcare are revealed by empirical findings.  Financial stress is significantly increased by the high costs of necessary vascular services, such as diagnostic imaging (Doppler, CT angiography), medications (antiplatelets, anticoagulants), surgical and endovascular procedures, operation theatre fees, blood transfusions, and oxygen support.  Low-income and rural households continue to bear a disproportionately heavy burden, which restricts equitable access to timely and appropriate vascular care and may exacerbate disease outcomes.

Interpretation & Conclusions:

The study highlights an urgent need for targeted policy reforms to reduce financial barriers to vascular healthcare in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.  Important steps toward equity include strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC), increasing vascular care services at PHCs and CHCs, enhancing referral systems, and lowering reliance on expensive private facilities.  Inequalities in financial burden and vascular health outcomes will continue to exist in the absence of systemic improvements.  For vascular healthcare to be accessible, affordable, and equitable for all socioeconomic groups, it is imperative that these inequalities be addressed urgently.