Maternity Benefits and Their Effective Implementation in the Healthcare Sector

28-09-2026

Supervisor: Ms.Dichen Bhutia( Assistant Professor of Law) 

Students involved : 3-years LLB 3 rd semester 

1.Bikram Sah 

2. Tutun Dutta 

3.Gunjan Jaidani 

4.Khushi Singh

5. Parimal Debnath

Maternity Benefits and its effective implementation in the Healthcare Sector: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Hospitals

This empirical study examines the availability and practical implementation of maternity benefits in the public and private healthcare sectors, with particular reference to the rights and welfare of women during pregnancy and after childbirth. The study seeks to understand how maternity-related healthcare services, including antenatal care, childbirth assistance, post-natal care, medical consultation, and workplace-related maternity support, are provided in different healthcare settings.

The study adopted a field-based empirical methodology involving site visits, observations, and interactions with management and healthcare personnel. The field study was conducted at Siliguri District Hospital and Basu’s Clinic, Siliguri, representing public and private healthcare settings respectively. The visits provided an opportunity to observe the availability of maternity-related facilities, the working environment, and the manner in which maternity care is organised and delivered.

The study highlights the importance of viewing maternity benefits beyond maternity leave or monetary assistance. Access to safe working conditions, appropriate medical care, antenatal and post-natal services, childbirth-related assistance, and adequate support during pregnancy and after childbirth are important components of ensuring effective maternity protection. The comparative field observations provide an understanding of the practical functioning of maternity-related services in public and private healthcare institutions and the extent to which legal protections are reflected in practice.