Status of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Services in Primary and Secondary Health Facilities of Public Sector in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Case Study

Abstract

The case study aimed to assess the efforts being carried out by the public sector to decrease Maternal, Neonatal, and Child mortality in Pakistan to establish an information base for future planning, and assessment of the Maternal, neonatal, and child health services being provided in primary and secondary health facilities to establish an information base for future planning. It was a descriptive/cross-sectional case study. A universal sample of the District Head Quarters Hospitals, Tehsil Head Quarters Hospitals, Rural Health Centers, and 20%  Basic Health Units by using a stratified sampling technique surveys were conducted. Data was collected by using a questionnaire. The findings of the study showed the assessment of the availability of essential staff as per the required standard of the facility and availability was determined at 4,33, 53, and 86 percent in public sectors respectively. Preventive services are rendered at 86% of Basic Health Units, basic emergency obstetric and newborn care at 6% of Rural Health Centers, and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care is being rendered at 4% and 33of by District Head Quarters Hospitals, Tehsil Head Quarters Hospitals respectively. Status of resuscitation with incubation is poor in Tehsil Head Quarters Hospitals (17%) and District Head Quarters Hospitals (51%), it is a very essential service to save the life of neonates if in the presence of staff at 4% of District Head Quarters Hospitals. The study recommended the expedited indefinite quantity of Maternal, neonatal, and child health services in primary and secondary health facilities of public sectors to drop off the mortality rate and to achieve targets regarding maternal and child mortality.