Women Consumer Segments of Health Services in Urban India: A Reflection on “Sense of Service” in Service Industry

Abstract

Health services from public and private sectors operate at different levels in different states of India. Moreover, within the states also, there are differences among citizens which are created due to their varying relationship with heath service providers and state. The public health sector is likely to be governed by social welfare, local needs and justice objectives and private health sector is likely to be driven by profits, market forces, competition, and global needs. This study specifically deals with women consumers of health services in urban India and welfare received by them. In the given context, the specific objectives of the research are to: (a) measure the level of connection between providers of health services and clients in India, and (b) identify the segments of citizens on the basis of extent to which they benefit from health welfare measures. For the analysis purpose, data of National Family Health Survey-III in India has been used. The study argues that the sense of service must be inclusive where there is no discrimination on the basis of religion, governance, and caste and where there are no segments of Denizens and Quasi Citizens but only Citizens.