Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Services in Sant Kabir Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh: Patterns, Gaps and Local-Level Constraints

Abstract

The effective utilization of maternal and child health (MCH) services remains central to reducing preventable maternal and child morbidity and mortality in rural India. This study examines the uptake of antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC) and childhood immunization services in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, using district-level evidence derived from NFHS-based District Nutrition Profiles, Health Management Information System (HMIS) bulletins and supporting literature. The analysis reveals substantial improvements between 2016 and 2020 in institutional deliveries, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care for children and full immunization coverage. However, continuity of antenatal care, particularly completion of four or more ANC visits, remains relatively low and uneven across blocks. The findings suggest that while programmatic interventions have successfully increased service contact at delivery and immunization stages, persistent socio-economic, infrastructural and administrative barriers continue to limit comprehensive maternal care. The paper argues for a shift towards block-specific micro-planning, strengthened follow-up mechanisms and improved data quality to ensure equitable and sustained MCH service utilization.