Patna: Bihar has recorded significant improvement in maternal and newborn healthcare, with more women accessing health facilities during pregnancy, childbirth and after delivery.
According to NFHS-6 data cited in the report, institutional deliveries in Bihar increased from 76.2% to 81.1%. First-trimester antenatal care (ANC) also rose from 52.9% to 63.9%, while women receiving at least one ANC service increased from 81.6% to 94%.
Early Pregnancy Care Improves
The rise in first-trimester ANC indicates that more women are beginning pregnancy-related healthcare earlier. Timely check-ups help healthcare providers monitor pregnancy and identify potential health concerns.
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Institutional Deliveries Rise
Institutional deliveries have increased by nearly five percentage points, with the improvement also being seen in rural areas. Health facilities provide access to trained healthcare professionals and support during childbirth.
Postnatal Care Also Improves
Mothers receiving postnatal care within two days of delivery increased from 57.3% to 69.9%, while newborn care during the same period rose from 59.3% to 76.2%.
These services help monitor mothers and newborns during the crucial initial days after delivery.
Government Hospitals Remain Important
Government hospitals continue to play a major role in Bihar’s maternal healthcare system. 57.5% of deliveries took place in government hospitals, with the share reaching 58.4% in rural Bihar.
Parimal Jha of the Piramal Foundation said the progress should be viewed beyond institutional deliveries. He highlighted the importance of continued healthcare engagement from pregnancy through delivery and the postnatal period.
The simultaneous improvement in ANC, institutional deliveries and postnatal care points to greater use of formal healthcare services across Bihar.
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