District level coverage gap in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health care services in India

India has the highest number of maternal (2010) and child (2009) deaths in the world suggesting a poor coverage in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) care services. This study assessed the coverage gap in MNCH care across districts in India using a robust aggregate Coverage Gap Index (CGI) developed by the ‘Countdown 2008 Equity Analysis Group’. The north–south divide in MNCH care coverage gap is apparent. The results derived from this study emphasise the need for focused intervention in 210 districts which have a coverage gap of ⩾50%.