New Delhi: According to the National Health Accounts (NHA) 2022-23 report released by the Union Health Ministry, Indians spent over Rs 1.6 lakh crore on medicines, making medicines one of the largest components of healthcare expenditure in the country.The report revealed that expenditure on prescribed medicines alone exceeded Rs 1.3 lakh crore, while Rs 26,670 crore was spent on medicines purchased without prescription. Overall the expenditure on medicines exceeded Rs 1.6 lakh crore. They accounted for about one-fifth of India’s health care expenditure.The report also revealed that hospital admissions and in-patient treatment constitute the largest share of current health expenditure at Rs 2.9 lakh crore (37.6%). Expenditure on medicines exceeded Rs 1.6 lakh crore (21%), while expenditure on outpatient treatment stood at Rs 1.4 lakh crore (18.7%). Overall, these three categories contribute 77.3% of the current health expenditure.The findings come as India has seen a steady decline in out-of-pocket expenditure as a share of total health expenditure over the past decade.Health experts say drug costs remain a major contributor to household health care expenses, especially for patients suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer that require long-term treatment and regular drug purchases.Public health experts say medications represent a significant recurring expense for many families, especially those managing chronic diseases that require lifelong treatment.