Quality of maternal and newborn health services and their impact on maternal-neonatal outcome at a primary health center.

INTRODUCTION: The utilization of the maternal and newborn health services has increased, but mere increase in utilization of services does not ensure that quality services are being provided. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of maternal and newborn services and their impact on maternal and neonatal outcome at a primary health center of Western Rajasthan in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory study was undertaken at a conveniently selected primary health center providing 24-hour delivery services. Information regarding the availability of services was collected from the available medical officer in charge using an Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) Proforma. Assessment of quality of services was performed by using WHO standards of care based on assessment of quality of maternal and newborn services tool by the perspectives of the provider as well as the mothers utilizing the services. 36 mothers who delivered at the selected PHC were interviewed.

RESULTS: All basic obstetric care services were available at the selected primary health centers including the 24 × 7 delivery services. The assessment of quality by provider's perspective revealed that the system of referral could be improved. Quality of maternal and newborn services assessment revealed that the practice of skin to skin contact between the mother and newborn just after the delivery was not being followed and few (30%) mothers informed that they could not start breastfeeding within 1 hours of birth. 47% mothers reported that they were not given the freedom to ask questions during delivery. Maternal and newborn outcome revealed that all mothers (100%) had a normal vaginal delivery, and 22% mothers had an episiotomy. All (100%) newborns cried immediately after birth, and average birthweight was 2.89 kg.

CONCLUSION: PHCs are the first point of contact of mothers and healthcare delivery system. Assessment of quality of services is an important tool for quality assurance. Inclusion of evidence-based practices like skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding is important to improve the maternal and newborn well-being.