Uneven progress in maternal health evaluated through a district level maternal health index for West Bengal based on NFHS data

This paper primarily examines the health status, with a particular emphasis on maternal health (MH) across all districts of West Bengal. It analyzes a diverse range of health-related data to develop a Maternal Health Index (MHI) using information from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 (2015-16) and NFHS 5 (2019-21). Additionally, it seeks to identify the determinants specifically affecting mothers residing in various districts of West Bengal and to compare the data from 2015 to 16 and 2019-21. The findings indicate a notable enhancement in maternal health outcomes and a decrease in disparities within the state. While the overall performance of the state has improved, intra-district variations persist, with certain districts experiencing advancements in women’s health outcomes, while others remain stagnant or deteriorate. Factors such as women’s literacy, Sub Centres, Primary Health Centres, and Community Health Centres have a positive and significant impact on maternal health. In the period of 2019-21, women’s literacy, improved sanitation facilities, health insurance/financing scheme coverage, and the consumption of iodized salt emerged as encouraging elements for maternal health. As a result, the factors contributing to maternal health in 2019–2021 have shifted compared to three years prior, specifically in 2015–2016, moving from infrastructure-related issues to household practices.