Why are Indians born at home ?

In 2005, about 60% of Indians were born at home without proper medical assistance. However, in developed countries, having a human delivery at home is quite strange.

Why is this happening?

Obviously, there's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare in rural poor populations. These kinds of social inhibitions are common phenomena in Indian society. Not only the social stigma but there is a huge gulf between cities and villages in India in terms of infrastructure. Health care infrastructure was poor and not accessible to our poor citizens. 

Later, the Indian government launched many programs, including awareness programs and cash incentives to hospital delivery and it has been reduced to about 20% in 2016-17.

Image: John Svigos, theconversation.com.

Is this only in India?

No, this is a global issue, but mostly seen in undeveloped south Asian countries. A 2017 report says, South Asian countries contribute about 20% of maternal death and about 40 % of global neonatal death. But there may be more than that counted.

According to a recent survey, poor women, uneducated and rural women generally prefer their homes for delivery. The government has to focus on these areas. There should be a targeted approach to hit the specific population to make it into zero non-medical assisted birth. Policymakers can think of making a law that states medical assisted birth is a fundamental right of citizens. Moreover, considering roads, bridges, airports and military establishments as development is an injustice to the poor citizens.

Sileesh Mullasseri