Efficacy and Accessibility of Maternity Benefit Schemes in Improving Neonatal and Maternal Health in Underprivileged People - Findings From the Implementation of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme in the Stateof Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The Framers of our Constitution recognizes the duty of the state to improve the health of its people. Right to health is a fundamental right under Article 21 of our constitution and the right of citizens to be treated with dignity and care is both a fundamental right and human right. The Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Indian Constitution obligates the state to act for the welfare of its citizens by promoting affordable healthcare and maternity benefits for new mothers and infants. At the time of Independence, India’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) were abysmal, and improving health indexes and nutrition was made the foremost priority by successive governments. Health policy, however, remains on the state list of our constitution to make sure that local conditions and concerns are taken into consideration when formulating welfare and healthcare policies and for effective penetration of such policies within the concerned state. Maternity benefit policies would include monetary emoluments, free and/or concessionary healthcare services, particularly, prenatal and neonatal checkups, free and/or affordable supplements and medication to ensure maternal health, regular monitoring of pregnant women and immunisation process, and greater rates of institutional deliveries. Maternity benefit packages, such as those under the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme in Tamil Nadu, even include nutritional supplies. The MRMBS scheme remains one of the most effective maternity benefit schemes enacted in India, and has improved the state’s health and social markers to a great extent. The empirical study is carried out with 200 responses, and concludes with the knowledge that maternity benefit schemes should expand coverage to include adolescent mothers.