The launch of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has significantly increased the number of institutional deliveries. However, more than 25% of pregnant women still hesitate to access health facilities. Those opting for institutional delivery refuse to stay for 48 hours, impeding the provision of essential services critical for identifying and managing complications during the first 48 hours after delivery for both the mother and neonate.
Expanding upon the achievements of the safe motherhood program, a significant new initiative, the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), was introduced. Its aim is to eradicate out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick infants. In this article, we will discuss the benefits, coverage, eligibility, and more about the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram: An overview
Given below is a brief overview of the JSSK scheme:
Scheme name |
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) |
Introduced in |
June 2011 |
Initiative by |
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
Objective of the scheme |
Eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for both pregnant women and sick infants. |
What is JSSK?
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana, initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ensures that pregnant women receiving care at government health facilities have access to free delivery services, including caesarean sections. Comprehensive care is provided to both mother and newborn within 48 hours. To address challenges such as high out-of-pocket expenses for diagnostic tests, blood, medications, food, and user charges, the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) was introduced in June 2011. This program aims to eliminate such expenses for institutional deliveries and treatment of sick infants. In 2014, the scope of the program expanded to include all antenatal and postnatal complications, providing similar benefits to all sick newborns and infants up to one year of age accessing public health institutions for treatment.
Explore: List of government health insurance schemes in India
Features of the JSSK
Discussed below are the key features of Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana:
- All pregnant women delivering in public health institutions are entitled to completely free delivery services, including caesarean sections.
- The entitlements include free drugs, consumables, diagnostics, and blood transfusions as necessary.
- Additionally, a complimentary diet is provided for 3 days after normal delivery and 7 days after a caesarean section.
- Free transportation from home to the institution, between facilities in case of referrals, and back home is also provided.
- In 2014, these entitlements were extended to cover all antenatal and postnatal complications.
- Similar entitlements have been established for all sick newborns and infants accessing public health institutions for treatment, up to one year of age.
Also, check: Maternity health insurance
