Inequalities and policy gaps in maternal health among Empowered Action Group (EAG) States in India: Evidence from Demographic Health Survey

Health inequality in maternal health is one of the serious challenges currently faced by public health experts. Maternal mortality in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states is highest and so are the health inequalities prevalent. We have made a comprehensive attempt to understand maternal health inequality and the risk factors concerning the EAG states in India, using recent data of Demography Health Survey of India (2015-16). Bi-variate, multivariate logistic regression, and concentration indices were used. The study has measured the four outcome variables of maternal health namely antenatal care of at least 4 visits, institutional delivery, contraceptive use, and unmet need. The study revealed that better maternal health is heavily concentrated among the richer households, while the negative concentration index of unmet need clearly reflected the greater demand for higher unmet need among the poor households in the EAG states of India. Challenges of inequalities still persist at large in maternal health, but to achieve better health these inequalities must be reduced. Since inequality mainly affects the poor households due to a lower level of income. Therefore, specific measures must be taken from a demand-side perspective in order to enhance their income and reduce the disparities in the EAG states of India.