Maternal and Child Healthcare Utilization and Corresponding Expenditure in India

This chapter provides a comprehensive contextualization of maternal and child healthcare utilization and associated expenditure in India, drawing insights from National Sample Survey data and employing descriptive statistics. The findings highlight commendable immunization coverage in the country, with minimal socioeconomic disparities, yet they reveal a slight discrepancy in expenditure based on the place of residence. Despite a significant increase in pre- and postnatal care services, substantial variation persists across social and economic groups and among states. This chapter emphasizes a consistent rise in expenditure on pre- and postnatal care in India, accompanied by discernible socioeconomic and residential differences. Institutional deliveries in government hospitals have notably increased, with some states leading in the accessibility of private facilities. The utilization expenditure for maternal healthcare, particularly in private facilities, has seen a gradual rise. Given these findings, policy recommendations are crucial to further improve healthcare outcomes. Targeted strategies for equitable immunization funding should be implemented, addressing residence-based expenditure disparities. Tailoring healthcare outreach programs to diverse socioeconomic groups and regions can enhance the utilization of pre- and postnatal care services. Policymakers should focus on making maternal healthcare more affordable and accessible, with investments in infrastructure and training to bridge gaps in access to private facilities. These policy measures aim to build on existing achievements and ensure that maternal and child healthcare services are accessible and equitable across the socioeconomic spectrum and geographical locations in India.