Does the distribution of maternal health care benefits in India meets the principle of equity? An application of Benefit Incidence Analysis

Abstract Background: The equity in health and health care utilization is the key objective of public policy across the world. Equity will be served if the public health expenditure benefits the financially disadvantaged people. Therefore, tracking the distribution of benefits from government financing on health is necessary. This study examines the utilization pattern and benefit incidence of public subsidy on different maternal health services (pre-natal, delivery and post- natal care) across the socio-economic groups in India using the Benefit Incidence Analysis. Result: Utilizing the 75th round National Sample Survey data on household social consumption on health, the study showed both utilization and benefit distribution of pre-natal, post-natal and delivery care is pro-rich. The distribution of benefits on pre-natal and post-natal care is more even in the lower level of health care facilities in comparison of the higher level of health care units. Moreover, the highest public subsidy on pre-natal, delivery and post-natal care is enjoyed by urban population and the distribution of public subsidy is also more even in urban areas compared to rural area. An analysis of public subsidy on maternal health services by social group shows that the maximum share of benefit is received by women from General category while the lowest public subsidy is enjoyed by the Scheduled Tribe category. Conclusion: The results reveal that the public health expenditure on maternal health services is not significantly benefited socially and economically weaker sections of the society in India at least during the study period.