Public health expenditure in north east india: trends, challenges, and policy implications

Abstract

This study investigates the trends in public health expenditure across the eight North Eastern states of India Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura over the period 2012–2020. Using state-wise expenditure data from official government sources, the research highlights significant disparities in budget allocation, growth patterns, and healthcare investment efficiency within the region. Despite growing public health needs, especially in remote and tribal areas, the study finds that health spending remains inconsistent and insufficient in several states. Key challenges identified include geographic inaccessibility, human resource shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and limited administrative capacity. The paper also examines how socio-political factors and governance models influence policy implementation. Based on the findings, the study proposes targeted policy interventions to enhance regional equity in health financing, improve access to quality healthcare, and promote sustainable health outcomes in the North East.