Regional disparity in maternal healthcare utilization among the Indian states
Author(s): Dr. Lakhbhadra Singh Naruka
Abstract: Woman's health plays a pivotal role in the development of any society. They are more vulnerable compared to other groups of the society not only due to their low status but also for their biological structure. Each year, more than half a million women die due to pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, in the context of maternal health, the present study is an attempt to understand regional variation in maternal healthcare among the Indian states. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was applied to fulfil the objective of the study by using data from the National Family & Health Survey (NFHS)-III, 2005-06. The result suggests, over the time, India has tried to change its strategy and approach related to reproductive health to improve maternal and child health and it has also had some impact on their health status but not so as expected. A huge disparity is observed in maternal healthcare utilization among Indian states. In southern states, nearly more than 80 percent of women receive maternal healthcare, whereas, in central and some north-east states it found nearly 10-20 percent for various components of maternal healthcare. The maternal healthcare utilization is observed very low in Empowered Action Groups states (EAGs) and some Northeast states. The present study suggests India requires region-specific policies and programmes for maternal health to achieve its reproductive health goals.
Pages: 30-35 | Views: 374 | Downloads: 54Download Full Article: Click HereHow to cite this article:
Dr. Lakhbhadra Singh Naruka. Regional disparity in maternal healthcare utilization among the Indian states. Int J Geogr Geol Environ 2022;4(1):30-35.
