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New Delhi: Older adults across India are often forced to travel significant distances to access medical services, revealing critical gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas, according to a new study. The findings highlight a stark urban-rural divide and considerable regional disparities, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable care for the nation’s growing elderly population.
The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia journal, analyzed data from nearly 32,000 individuals over 60 years old, collected during the 2017-2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI). The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO), India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
Findings indicate that older adults travel considerable distances on average: up to 15 kilometers for outpatient services and around 45 kilometers for inpatient care. This “distance dilemma” is significantly more pronounced in rural regions. While urban seniors typically access outpatient care within 10 kilometers, their rural counterparts travel an average of 30 kilometers for similar services.
With an estimated 138 million older adults currently residing in India – a figure projected to rise from 7.4% of the population in 2001 to 13.2% by 2031 – ensuring accessible healthcare is paramount.
The study clearly demonstrates that proximity is a major factor in healthcare utilization. When facilities were within a 10-kilometer radius, 73% of older adults utilized outpatient services, and 40% used inpatient services. However, usage dropped sharply as distances increased, falling to 17% for distances between 11 and 30 kilometers, and plummeting to just 10% for journeys beyond 30 kilometers.
These extended travel times pose significant barriers, hindering timely access to essential healthcare. This is particularly critical for older individuals managing chronic conditions that require regular and consistent medical attention.
Regional variations are also significant. States like Tripura, Manipur, and Kerala showed the highest rates of service utilization within the 10-kilometer radius, suggesting better infrastructure and a tendency to rely on nearby facilities, especially during emergencies. Conversely, hilly states such as Nagaland, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh present geographical challenges, resulting in minimal inpatient visits within a 10-kilometer range.
In some northeastern states, including Mizoram and Nagaland, older adults reported undertaking journeys exceeding 60 kilometers for healthcare, pointing to severely limited access to nearby medical services. Meanwhile, states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh exhibited moderate healthcare facility proximity, though inpatient care often necessitated travel beyond 30 kilometers.
The analysis suggests that southern states generally boast a more evenly distributed healthcare infrastructure, reducing geographical barriers for older residents compared to other regions. The study’s authors stress the overarching need for policies aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country to ensure equitable access for all older adults, regardless of location.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the information provided in the source text summarizing a study on healthcare access for older adults in India. It aims to accurately reflect the study’s findings as presented.
