This indicator reflects the average amount of money individuals spend directly on healthcare services and goods from their own finances, expressed in current US dollars. It includes various expenditures such as medical consultations, hospital visits, medications, and preventive care not covered by insurance or public health programs. Analyzing this figure provides crucial insights into the financial burdens that households face regarding health services, revealing disparities in healthcare access and affordability. Additionally, high out-of-pocket costs can indicate gaps in national health coverage or inefficiencies in the healthcare system, often leading to financial stress and potential obstacles to seeking necessary medical care, ultimately impacting overall public health outcomes.
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