State-wise Hospital Count in India: Analyzing Healthcare Access

India’s healthcare system is catering to over 1.4 billion individuals, with approximately 70,000 hospitals across the country.

This total comprises 26,000 government hospitals. 43,486 private facilities, and around 500 to 1,000 operated by trusts or NGOs.

State-wise Number of Government Hospitals in India

The 26,000 government hospitals provide cost-effective treatment funded by public resources.

Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront with 4,707 government hospitals, followed by Maharashtra (2,745), Andhra Pradesh (2,340), Tamil Nadu (2,210), and Karnataka (2,074).

In contrast, smaller states like Ladakh and Lakshadweep have only 5 hospitals each, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Mizoram each have 15.

Uttar Pradesh leads the rankings due to its vast population of 240 million, necessitating extensive public healthcare services.

The state government constructs hospitals in every district to ensure access in rural regions.

Maharashtra ranks second, benefiting from its economic resources that enable greater investment in healthcare facilities, such as the renowned JJ Hospital in Mumbai.

Southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also perform well, as they emphasize health initiatives, including the Aarogyasri program in Andhra Pradesh, which enhances the hospital network.

Smaller states fall behind due to their lower populations and constrained budgets. Ladakh’s 5 hospitals are indicative of its low population density and challenging geography, where building costs are high.

Consequently, governments in these regions prioritize establishing basic clinics over full-scale hospitals.

State-wise Number of Private Hospitals in India

Private hospitals, totaling 43,486, offer advanced medical services but come with a cost.

Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 6,795 private hospitals, followed by Maharashtra (6,305), Karnataka (4,820), Tamil Nadu (4,510), and Andhra Pradesh (3,915). In contrast, Lakshadweep has 10, while Ladakh has 15.

The high number in Uttar Pradesh is due to the demand in its densely populated cities, prompting investors to establish hospitals catering to paying patients.

The private sector in Maharashtra flourishes in urban centers like Mumbai and Pune, which host chains such as Apollo.

The 4,820 hospitals in Karnataka are a result of Bangalore’s technology boom, which attracts private investments for specialized healthcare.

Why are there fewer hospitals in smaller states?

Private owners are motivated by profit, which remote regions like Nagaland (35) cannot provide due to their low population and income levels.

Investors are more inclined to invest in affluent states like Gujarat (2,850), where residents can afford private healthcare.

State-wise Number of Trust and NGO operated Hospitals in India

Trust and NGO hospitals, estimated to be between 500 and 1,000, prioritize low-cost or free medical care.

Tamil Nadu leads with 75, followed by Maharashtra (65), Karnataka (60), Uttar Pradesh (55), and West Bengal (45). Lakshadweep has none, while Ladakh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu each have 2.

Tamil Nadu’s leading position is attributed to its strong tradition of nonprofit organizations, exemplified by the Christian Medical College in Vellore.

Maharashtra is home to significant trusts like the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, which attracts substantial donations. Karnataka benefits from NGOs based in Bangalore that cater to the underprivileged.

Smaller states have fewer trusts because they require funding and volunteers, which are more readily available in urban areas.

Lakshadweep’s absence of trusts reflects its isolation, complicating NGO operations. Northeastern states like Manipur (3) experience limited NGO presence due to security challenges and low visibility.

Why is there an Uneven Distribution? A Closer Look

Various elements influence the distribution of hospitals in India by 2025:

Population Demands: Uttar Pradesh, with its 4,707 government and 6,795 private hospitals, caters to its vast population, yet it still falls short on a per capita basis.

Smaller regions such as Chandigarh (45 government, 85 private) manage to achieve a high density more easily.

Economic Strength: Affluent states like Maharashtra draw in private hospitals (6,305) due to lucrative markets.

In contrast, poorer states like Bihar (1,305 government, 1,580 private) depend on limited public funding.

Government Initiatives: Southern regions like Tamil Nadu (2,210 government) grow through health missions, while northern areas like Haryana (745 government) place less emphasis on public infrastructure.

Geographical Challenges: Isolated regions such as Ladakh (5 government, 15 private) encounter high expenses for materials and personnel.

Coastal areas like Kerala (981 government, 2,110 private) find it easier to establish facilities.

Philanthropic Concentration: Charitable trusts tend to gather in states with affluent benefactors, such as Maharashtra’s 65, whereas rural regions like Meghalaya (3) attract fewer NGOs.

These trends present significant challenges. Overcrowded states like Uttar Pradesh put pressure on existing hospitals, while remote areas like Nagaland force residents to travel long distances for medical care.

Source

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. (2022). Health infrastructure in India: Annual report 2021-22.
• Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Government of India. (2023). SRS statistical report 2023.