Image Source: Digit Insurance
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Abhiyaan (JSSK), being a flagship scheme initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, focuses on offering cashless and free healthcare services for pregnant women as well as babies. Since 2011 June, JSSK has aimed to eliminate institutional delivery and treating sick newborn out-of-pocket spending, thus augmenting access to maternal and infant healthcare and minimising maternal as well as infant mortality rates of the nation as a whole.
Background and Objectives
JSSK was launched to tackle the long-standing problem of high out-of-pocket costs that discouraged a large number of women from using institutional delivery services, even though previous schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana had been successful.
The main objective of the program is to make sure that no woman or newborn is deprived of necessary healthcare because of lack of money, thus promoting institutional deliveries and timely medical care for infants.
Major Entitlements for Pregnant Women
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Free and cashless delivery, normal and Caesarean section operations.
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Free drugs and consumables at the time of hospitalization.
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Free diagnostics, blood, urine tests, and ultrasonography.
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Free food given during the stay: 3 days in case of normal delivery and 7 days in case of C-section.
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Free supply of blood transfusion if needed.
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Waiver of all user charges in government health facilities.
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Free transport services:
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Home to the health institution
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Between facilities in the event of referral
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Drop back home following discharge (following 48 hours).
Sick Newborns and Infant Entitlements
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Free treatment for sick newborns within 30 days of birth, now extended to include infants up to one year.
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Free drugs, diagnostics, and blood supply for infants.
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Free transportation (home to hospital, between facilities, and drop back home).
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Waiver of user charges for all services.
Eligibility and Application
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All pregnant women who are admitted in government health institutions are covered, irrespective of their financial or social status.
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Newborns with sickness and children aged up to one year visiting public health institutions are also insured.
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Documents needed are Aadhaar, proof of address, domicile certificate, ration card, and Janani Suraksha Card.
Implementation and Impact
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JSSK is operational in all the states and union territories and benefits more than 12 million pregnant women every year.
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The scheme is being closely tracked at state and district levels to effectively implement and refine it continuously.
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By eliminating fiscal barriers, JSSK has been instrumental in raising institutional deliveries and lowering rates of maternal and infant mortality.
Conclusion
Janani Shishu Suraksha Abhiyaan represents a transformative step in India’s public health landscape, ensuring that mothers and newborns receive essential healthcare without financial hardship. By offering comprehensive, free services, the scheme continues to safeguard the health of millions of women and children, contributing to healthier families and communities nationwide.
Sources: National Health Mission, National Health Mission Assam, National Health Mission, Family Welfare Department
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