This study examines trends in private sector maternity care in Bihar, India, from 2011 to 2021, analyzing neonatal mortality rates (NMR) and causes of neonatal deaths. Data was collected from three household surveys covering maternal and newborn health services.
Key findings:
Private sector delivery coverage increased from 17.3% in 2011 to 26.1% in 2020–2021 (56.3% increase), with the highest growth among lower-income urban populations.
NMR remained largely unchanged (41.3 in 2011, 36.6 in 2016, and 38.6 per 1,000 live births in 2020–2021).
Leading causes of neonatal deaths were birth asphyxia (33.9% in 2020–2021), preterm birth, and neonatal pneumonia.
Significant reductions in neonatal sepsis and meningitis were observed between 2016 and 2020–2021 (77.8% decrease, p < 0.05).
The study highlights the need for quality improvements in private-sector maternity care to reduce neonatal mortality and improve newborn survival.
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