Wealth being Inequalities in Maternal Health care utilization in selected states of India

Well established theory by Wilkinson said that income is closely related to health care. This study tried to reveal whether maternal health care varies by wealth quintiles in selected states. DLHS data from 2002- 2008 were utilized for the purpose. Orissa showed the pro-poor distribution among social-group as well as by wealth quintiles. Percentage of women had ANC visit in first trimester and full ANC of their pregnancy was higher in Orissa and Chhattisgarh compared to other states. Natal care showed different pattern. MP improved its level in safe births substantially from a 20 percent to 44 percent during survey interval. It was higher in state of Madhya Pradesh (MP), Rajasthan and Orissa and even a sharp increase was seen for institutional births at public institutions these states. Proportion of women had ANC visit in first trimester increases from poorest to richest quintiles. Concentration index shows the inequality has reduced in all states except Chhattisgarh. Low prevalence has been observed among poorer group in all EAG states while richer section is dissimilar in different indicators of maternal care. Inequality is higher for full ANC than other two indicators; safe and institutional births. Greater within caste economic inequality was observed in states with low levels opposite to state with better performance.