mHealth Technologies Leading to Better Maternal Health in Bihar,India

Abstract

In an underdeveloped state like Bihar, women face double jeopardy because of poor health status and lower literacy rate. Hence, in this state maternal mortality is very high which affect overall societal status of women. This study focus on exploring the role of health informatics tools such as mobile phone, also known as mHealth, in improving the maternal health scenario of Bihar, which in turn can lead to women empowerment. In developing countries like India mobile phones are serving as an excellent medium for establishing health communication. Most importantly, literacy does not seem to be a barrier in the use of mobile phone. So it has the potential to address the issue of health inequalities in remote locations where there is shortage of medical resources. Health information propagated through mobile phone can improve knowledge which is an important tool for generating women empowerment.