Reproductive Health Services and Role of Panchayats in Karnataka

The paper presents an analysis of the reproductive health care services available to women in rural areas in Karnataka, and the various factors influencing them. Based on survey data on the status of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and the availability of maternal health services, we analyze the status of reproductive health services, their access and reach. The paper also examines the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (institutions of rural local government) in providing these services. Three sets of explanatory variables are used to examine maternal health care seeking viz. institutional structure (which includes coordination between the institutions of local government and the health department, the services available at different levels, the network, and availability of funds) quality of services; and social factors.