Measuring Coverage of Essential Maternal Postnatal Care Services in the Squatter Settlements of Islamabad Capital Territory in Pakistan.

This study assessed the coverage and effective utilization of essential postnatal care (PNC) services among women living in the squatter settlements of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan, using WHO 2017 PNC guidelines. Although 93.5% of the 416 surveyed women accessed PNC at least once after delivery, only 1% received the full recommended package of counseling and eight essential maternal assessments both within 24 hours and beyond 24 hours postpartum. Most women delivered in health institutions and had an initial PNC checkup within 24 hours, but follow-up visits and comprehensive service coverage were notably low. The findings highlight significant gaps in the quality and continuity of PNC in marginalized urban populations, suggesting a need for targeted health policies and programs to improve maternal postnatal care utilization and outcomes in Pakistan.