NEWS – Bengaluru has the highest access to antenatal services among Karnataka’s administrative divisions

HIGHLIGHTS

• Study Details:
  • Conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC).
  • Focus: Antenatal services access in Karnataka using NFHS-5 data.
  • Key services studied:
    • Ultrasound scans, vaccinations, blood and urine tests.
    • Access to supplements essential for maternal health.
  • Karnataka’s Maternal Mortality Rate (2022):
    • 69 per one lakh live births.

Access to Antenatal Services

• Bengaluru’s Leadership in Access:
  • Highest among Karnataka divisions: 85% accessed four or more antenatal services.
  • Comparison with other divisions:
    • Mysuru: 77%.
    • Belagavi: 66%.
    • Kalaburagi: 59%.
  • Demographic Trends:
    • Positive Correlation with Wealth: Wealthier mothers had better access across the state.
    • Religious and Caste Factors:
      • Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi: Muslim, SC/ST, and OBC women accessed services more than upper-caste women.
      • Mysuru: Upper-caste women had better access.
    • Education and Maternal Healthcare Paradox:
      • Negative correlation in Bengaluru: Educated women were less likely to use standard antenatal services.
      • Possible reasons:
        • Reliance on online resources.
        • Preference for personalised care.

Challenges in Maternal Healthcare Access

• Regional Barriers:
  • Northern Karnataka:
    • Lack of advanced care facilities locally.
    • Need to travel to Hubballi-Dharwad or Bengaluru, causing delays.
  • Socio-Economic Limitations:
    • Pregnant women required to work, limiting time for antenatal care.
    • Lack of information on available healthcare services.
  • Cultural and Belief Systems:
    • Cultural practices inhibiting healthcare access.
    • Need for detailed government research to address such patterns.

Policy Recommendations

• Enhance the role and support for ASHA workers.
• Provide reliable transport services for maternal health visits.
• Launch large-scale programs to raise awareness and delay the age of first pregnancy.
• Offer benefits to encourage maternal health service uptake.
• Corroborate findings of NFHS-5.
• Address regional and cultural challenges effectively.