Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 10

In homes across Jammu and Kashmir, spending on medicines has become a steady and growing burden, with families paying significantly more than the national average even as incomes remain lower.

Economic data show that the region lags behind the rest of India in per capita income, intensifying the impact of recurring health expenses. 

While India’s per capita income has crossed Rs 2 lakh in recent years, estimates for Jammu and Kashmir place it notably lower, leaving households with less room to absorb rising costs.

Health spending patterns reveal where the pressure falls. 

According to national estimates, out-of-pocket payments account for nearly half of total health expenditure, with medicines making up the largest share. 

Studies by the National Sample Survey Office indicate that drug purchases dominate household medical expenses across both rural and urban areas.

But in J&K, those costs are markedly higher. 

Analysts estimate that annual per-person spending on medicines in the region is roughly two to three times the national average. 

For a typical family, that gap can mean thousands of rupees in additional yearly expenses.

Applied across the population, the difference is substantial. 

With the region’s population estimated at around 13 million, total annual spending on medicines runs into several thousand crores of rupees more than what would be expected at national averages.

Over time, the financial impact deepens. 

Economists say that higher recurring spending not only reduces disposable income but also limits long-term savings and investment potential for households. 

For many families, the cumulative cost over years can amount to several lakhs of rupees.

Behind the numbers is a shift in disease patterns. 

Research led by the Indian Council of Medical Research points to rising cases of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions in northern India, including J&K. 

Data from the National Family Health Survey also shows increasing prevalence of high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Chronic illnesses require continuous medication, often translating into monthly expenses that can range from a few hundred to several thousand rupees per patient, depending on treatment.

Supply chains and pricing structures further contribute to higher costs. 

Unlike major pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs such as Himachal Pradesh, J&K depends largely on medicines transported from outside, adding to distribution costs.

Regulatory gaps also play a role. 

While the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority caps prices for essential medicines, many commonly used branded drugs fall outside strict controls. 

Studies by the Competition Commission of India have highlighted wide markups in the pharmaceutical supply chain, sometimes several times the manufacturing cost.

Government programmes aim to ease the burden. 

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has expanded its network of low-cost medicine outlets in the region, offering generic alternatives at significantly lower prices. 

The World Health Organisation has said that quality-assured generic medicines are as safe and effective as branded versions.

Insurance coverage has also widened under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which covers major hospital treatments. 

However, outpatient care and long-term medication for chronic diseases continue to be largely paid out of pocket.

Public hospitals provide some essential medicines free of cost, though availability can vary. Meanwhile, authorities have also raised concerns about broader health risks, including poor diet and substance abuse, which can further increase dependence on medical treatment.

Taken together, the data highlight a persistent challenge: households in J&K face a combination of lower incomes, higher medicine costs and rising chronic illness. 

For many families, the monthly pharmacy bill has become a defining part of their financial reality, underscoring the need for wider access to affordable medicines and stronger preventive healthcare.