This indicator represents the average amount individuals spend directly on healthcare services without financial coverage from public or private insurance, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) to reflect true economic conditions. By measuring these expenditures in current international dollars, it offers a clearer picture of health costs as experienced by consumers across different countries. This metric is crucial for understanding the financial burden of healthcare on households, as high out-of-pocket expenses may indicate insufficient public health system support, potentially leading to issues like unmet medical needs or financial hardship. Moreover, it serves as an essential tool for policymakers to assess and improve healthcare financing strategies and accessibility for populations.
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