THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the discussions are progressing over the over-dependence of Malayalis on medicines, it is reported that medicines worth 9000 crores are consumed annually in the state. In Kerala, a person spends an average of Rs 2,567 per year on medicine, according to a report submitted by the Union Health Ministry to the Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, according to the figures of the National Health Account, Malayalis spend 34,548 crores annually on health. This means that a person spends Rs 9,871 on treatment every year. This is four times the national average. Kerala is leading in the country in terms of health expenditure and medicine consumption. In Kerala, 88.43 per cent buy medicines with a doctor's prescription, while 11.57 per cent buy medicines without a prescription. Experts also point out that 13 per cent of the medicine sold in the country reaches Kerala.
Bihar spends the least on medicine in the country. A Bihari spends Rs 298 per year. Himachal Pradesh, Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, UP and Kerala are leading states in purchasing medicines prescribed by doctors. Assam, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are the top states where medicines are purchased directly from medical stores without prescription.
Uncompromising healthcare
Experts say that Kerala is far ahead in health care compared to other states. Evidence of this is high life expectancy and low infant mortality rate. At the same time, there is the counter-argument that some doctors are over-promoting the use of medicines on behalf of pharmaceutical companies.
Expenditure on medicines (for a person per year)