Impact of out-of-pocket payments for treatment of non-communicable diseases in developing countries: A review of literature
Discussion Paper 02/2011
The burden from non-communicable diseases is growing. At the same time, there is an increased focus on ensuring that people are protected against financial risks due to accessing care. A literature review to understand household financial burden due to NCDs was undertaken, revealing that households with NCDs spend a substantial share of their income on care for these diseases. Spending was even higher for hospitalization related expenditure. Some households faced catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment as a result of spending.
While it is clear that the burden of non-communicable diseases is growing and is already a major problem even in the poorest countries, the questions of whether people have access to the services they need to prevent or control these diseases, and the extent to which they suffer financial catastrophe or impoverishment in obtaining the services they need is less well researched. This paper focuses on the second part of the universal coverage question: the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the household finances of people who suffer from them.