India’s healthcare sector relies on extensive data collection to monitor trends and improve services. Two key nationwide surveys—Household Social Consumption: Health and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)—play a vital role in assessing public health and access to medical services.
Household Social Consumption: Health Survey
Conducted every five years by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), this survey provides critical data on:
- Morbidity rates across different age and gender groups.
- Access to healthcare services, especially government facilities.
- Hospitalisation trends, including reasons for medical care and the type of institutions used.
- Healthcare expenses, covering both public and private treatment costs.
- Maternity care, including childbirth costs, pre-natal, and post-natal healthcare.
The latest available report from 2017-18 is accessible on the MoSPI website, offering insights into India’s evolving healthcare landscape.
National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
Conducted every three years by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), the NFHS provides a broader picture of India’s health indicators. The survey includes:
- Population characteristics and fertility patterns.
- Infant and child mortality rates.
- Maternal and child health statistics.
- Nutritional levels across demographics.
- Healthcare accessibility and women’s empowerment data.
The latest survey, NFHS-5 (2019-21), was released in 2022, offering updated insights into India’s health sector.
Why These Surveys Matter
Both surveys serve as essential tools for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. They help track trends, allocate resources, and assess the impact of government initiatives. As India moves toward universal healthcare, data-driven decisions will shape future policies and healthcare infrastructure.
