Distress Financing for Institutional Delivery in India: A Regional Analysis of Economic Inequality, Coping Mechanisms, and Contributing Factors

Addressing DF for ID requires strengthening maternity benefit schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) to cover indirect costs and ensure timely disbursements while curbing informal charges. Reducing out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) through improving accessibility and quality of public hospitals and regulation of private facility fees is essential. Alongside, expanding health insurance for comprehensive maternity care is essential, particularly in high-inequality states like Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Promoting women's education and economic empowerment, could play a critical role in mitigating long-term disparities in healthcare.