Wealth Effects of the Decrease in Under-five Mortality in India, 2005-2021

The present paper analyses the contribution of different population sub-groups classified by the wealth index quantiles groups to the change in the risk of death in the first five years of life in India during 2005-06 through 2019-21. The analysis reveals that the poorest and the poorer population sub-groups have primarily contributed to the decrease in the risk of death in the first five years of life in India whereas the contribution of the contribution of the richest population sub-group has been negative during the period under reference. The analysis also reveals that the wealth effects of the decrease in under-five mortality in different states of the country are different and, in many states, the contribution of the richest population sub-group to the decrease in the risk of death in the first five years of life in the state has been negative because of the change in the proportionate share of currently married women of reproductive age across different population sub-groups and their fertility. The paper emphasises the need of reinvigorating the health care services delivery system of the country so as to prevent under five deaths which cannot be prevented through the low-cost appropriate medical technology.