Preference for Public versus Private Medical Services in Poorer Regions of India?

Abstract This study examines preference for public versus private medical services in India’s poorest regions. Qualitative and quantitative insights from a primary survey highlight the substandard quality of public healthcare while private services are unaffordable so unreliable public services drive people to seek expensive private sector’s services. Multivariate analysis shows that the burden of medical expenses and regional disparities in access impact the choice of using public or private services. However, despite the challenges, solutions through conditional cash transfers or health insurance to offset out-of-pocket expenses in private facilities limits relief due to the inadequate medical services in rural and remote areas.