Maternal Health in India: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

Book Details:

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Mohammad Akram

• Language: English

• Edition: 2014

• ISBN: 9788131606520

• Pages: 296

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches

About the Book:

This book examines the deep-rooted inequalities in maternal health care services in India, which negatively impact the 'life chances' and 'capabilities' of both mothers and their children. The high rates of miscarriages, stillbirths, congenital diseases, neonatal mortalities, and maternal mortalities demand urgent scrutiny of existing policies and academic approaches surrounding these issues. The challenges extend beyond merely inadequate health care facilities or their improper distribution. The book argues that the approaches adopted by various state governments in India are often redundant, obscure, and inefficient in addressing the root causes of maternal health disparities.

The book highlights how the overemphasis on biomedical approaches by policymakers and health agencies, coupled with a lack of attention to the interwoven social determinants of health, results in adverse health outcomes. The volume presents fourteen essays that analyze maternal health issues across diverse states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur. These essays offer a thorough appraisal of the reproductive journey from pregnancy to childbirth across various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

Through diverse perspectives, the book provides an in-depth look at the multiple factors affecting maternal and child health, from the lack of health care utilization to the developmental needs of adolescent girls and the specific health status of marginalized groups like scheduled castes. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students and professionals in sociology, anthropology, social work, public health, medicine, economics, geography, women’s studies, and anyone interested in maternal health and social policy.

Contents include:

• Maternal Health in India by Mohammad Akram

• Understanding Women’s Health and Rights Issues by Madhu Nagla

• Social Determinants of Maternal and Child Health in India by K.R. Nayar and Lekha Bhat

• Maternal Health Care Utilization among Social Groups in Madhya Pradesh by Anil Hiwale and Ajay Choudhary

• Health Status of Pregnant Women among Scheduled Castes in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu by M. Thamilarasan and M. Suganya

About the Author:
Mohammad Akram is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Aligarh Muslim University. He is also the Convener of Research Committee 12 (Population, Health and Society) of the Indian Sociological Society and the Deputy Coordinator of DRS-I (UGC) at his department. Dr. Akram's research interests focus on the health and development issues of marginalized communities in India. His previous works include Sociology of Health, Tribal Health and Health Dynamics, and Marginalized Communities, among several other research papers and book chapters.