ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION IN RURAL BIST DOAB (PUNJAB)

This research paper examines the economic determinants of utilization of medical facilities related to cardiovascular diseases in rural Bist Doab region of the state. The objective is to find out the monthly expenditure on medicines of the sampled population, duration of medication, details of surgery performed and cost of surgery. The data was collected through interview schedule survey conducted in the study area. A sample size of 1.5% (100 cases) was selected out of the total 6796 cardiovascular deaths recorded in 2009. A detailed interview schedule was prepared and administered on the family members of the selected 100 deceased persons.The results show that out of the 100 sampled deceased persons, only 64 persons took medicines for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Among the total 64 persons in sample who were prescribed medication, almost 15% had to spend more than half of their total monthly household income on buying medicines for their treatment. The mean duration for which these 64 deceased persons in sample took medication was 5.36 years and 71% of them died within 6 years of medication. As far as surgical treatment is concerned, one-tenth of the total 100 persons in sample underwent some kind of surgery for the treatment of their cardiovascular disorders. The private sector plays a very big role in providing specialized cardiovascular health care services to the people of the study area and the cost of surgical treatment of cardiovascular diseases is very high.