Re-Looking Various Factors Associated with Health Spending on Maternity Care in India

Monirujjaman Biswas , Jawaharlal Nehru University

The objectives of this paper to examine the state-wise differentials in mean maternity care expenditure and to explore the effect of various socio-economic and demographic characteristics of currently married women on maternity care expenditure. Data were extracted from the 71st round of the National Sample Survey Organisation in 2014. Two-part regression models were employed to analyze the determinants of expenditure incurred on maternity services. Findings revealed that household’s mean maternity spending in 2014 was substantially higher than the previous estimates in 2004. Among the different socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the households, women’s age, social groups, education and economic status, type of health facility and region have emerged as most affected and statistically significant factors impact on financing maternity services. Despite the escalating economic development in the past two decades, India’s healthcare system continues to suffer an alarming situation regarding maternity care. Numerous efforts by the central and other state governments to reduce the economic burden of maternity care by utilizing the quality of care in the public health institution, although most households are still paying a significant amount from their own pockets in rural counterparts. There are huge differentials in cost for the utilization of care among public and private healthcare providers for maternal services. It is expected that the findings would have provided insights to revisit the approach towards maternal healthcare financing among Indian households.

No extended abstract or paper available

 Presented in Session P2. Poster Session Ageing, Health and Mortality