Risk of impoverishing expenditure for surgical care (% of people at risk)

This indicator captures the percentage of the population vulnerable to financial hardship when they require surgical interventions. Specifically, it assesses the likelihood that direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred for surgical and anesthesia services will push individuals below the poverty line, defined as $1.90 per day in purchasing power parity. Understanding this risk is crucial for healthcare policymakers, as it highlights the economic burden associated with accessing essential surgical care. By identifying demographic and geographic trends in impoverishing expenditure, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to enhance financial protections, improve access to affordable surgical services, and ultimately reduce the incidence of medical-related poverty. This measurement not only reveals disparities in healthcare affordability but also underscores the need for comprehensive health financing reforms. Source: