This indicator reflects the percentage of a nation's population that falls into extreme poverty as a direct consequence of out-of-pocket health care costs, specifically those expenses that drive households below the $2.15 poverty threshold. By highlighting the financial burden of health care, it underscores the
impact of medical expenses on economic stability. Such expenditures can arise from a wide array of health services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care, and may be incurred across various settings. Understanding this proportion is crucial for policymakers aiming to address health equity, as it reveals how inadequate health financing can exacerbate poverty, influencing both individual well-being and broader societal health outcomes.
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