UNDERSTANDING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY AND BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED BY RURAL WOMEN IN UMLING C&RD BLOCK, MEGHALAYA

Abstract

Women’s health is fundamental to the well-being of both their offspring and family, and is essential for societal health and long-term sustainability. While there have been ongoing efforts to provide equitable primary healthcare for women, particularly in rural and underserved regions, access remains a substantial challenge. In Meghalaya, diverse tribal communities, rugged topography, and distinct socioeconomic practices influence women's health-seeking behaviors. Despite various government initiatives with an aim to improve women's health, considerable gaps persist.

This study, therefore, assesses the accessibility of primary healthcare services and identifies the primary barriers faced by 200 rural women from 10 villages of Umling C&RD Block, Ri-Bhoi District. The study utilized a quantitative method and a descriptive research design, and it employed purposive and convenience non-probability sampling. Data were collected using closed-ended questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The research explored the demographic and general healthcare profiles of the participants. The findings suggested that while healthcare services are present, they are suboptimal in functionality and inconsistent in accessibility, especially in remote tribal areas.