The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) Scheme is a significant initiative by the Government of India to provide comprehensive and free healthcare services to pregnant women and newborns. Launched as part of the National Health Mission (NHM), the JSSK Scheme aims to reduce financial barriers and improve access to quality healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and infancy.
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK), launched by the Government of India on June 1st, 2011, is designed to assist pregnant women in accessing Government health facilities for their deliveries. Its core purpose is to reduce the financial burden on families by offering free and cashless services for institutional deliveries, motivating more women to choose healthcare institutions for childbirth.
This initiative addresses the prevalent issue of high out-of-pocket expenses incurred during institutional deliveries, including expenses related to medication, user charges, diagnostic tests, and C-section procedures. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has taken a noteworthy stride in ensuring accessible healthcare by urging states to provide cost-free services for pregnant women undergoing normal deliveries, C-sections, and sick newborns up to 30 days old. This comprehensive approach spans both rural and urban government health institutions, emphasizing the importance of maternal and newborn care.
JSSK Scheme
On June 1, 2011, the Government of India introduced the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) scheme. This initiative is expected to provide advantages to over 12 million pregnant women who utilise government healthcare facilities for their deliveries. Additionally, it aims to encourage those who prefer home deliveries to opt for institutional deliveries instead. The objective of this initiative is to encourage states to actively participate and ensure that the benefits of JSSK Scheme reach every pregnant woman in need who seeks care at government healthcare institutions. Implementation of the scheme has been initiated by all states and union territories.
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Scheme Similar To JSSK The National Health Mission (NHM) is the government’s way of making sure everybody, especially women, can see a doctor in India. They’re fixing hospitals, looking after moms and kids, and fighting germs. On 3 February 2023, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar from the government said to the Lok Sabha they’re doing lots of good stuff to help ladies in small towns stay healthy. |
What Is the Need for a JSSK Scheme in India?
Pregnancy can be risky for young women aged 15 to 19, and some of them sadly lose their lives because of it. The JSSK programme helps these young women by giving them free healthcare when they’re pregnant. It also keeps track of how many young moms pass away and uses that information to make healthcare better and safer for them.
Key Features of the Scheme
Free Healthcare:
- The scheme offers free healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns.
State Nodal Officer:
- Each state appoints a person to oversee the scheme’s implementation.
Grievance Redressal:
- A system is set up to address any problems or complaints related to the scheme.
Medicines and Tools:
- Medicines and tools for health check-ups are provided in public health facilities.
Blood Banks and Emergency Vehicles:
- Blood banks and vehicles with GPS are established for emergencies.
Funds Allocation:
- Money is given to districts and states to effectively run the scheme.
District Nodal Officer:
- A person is chosen in each district to supervise the scheme’s progress.
Review Meetings:
- Regular meetings are held to review how well the scheme is working and make improvements.
Maternal and Child Healthcare:
- The scheme focuses on providing proper healthcare for pregnant women and newborns to reduce mortality rates.
Financial Relief:
- It aims to reduce the financial burden by providing free services, encouraging more people to seek healthcare.
Objectives of the JSSK Scheme
JSSK, or Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram, is a government programme that helps pregnant women and newborn babies. Its main goals are:
- It lets pregnant women go to hospitals for free when they’re going to have a baby. They don’t need to pay money at the hospital.
- It pays for the medical care of sick newborn babies, so their families don’t have to worry about money.
- For normal deliveries, it gives good food to the mother for 3 days and for up to 7 days in case of complications. This keeps both the baby and the mother healthy.
- It encourages moms to have their babies in hospitals instead of at home. This way, both the mom and baby get the best care and can stay healthy later on.
- The programme makes sure that both moms and sick newborn babies get to hospitals quickly, without any delays. This helps keep them safe and healthy.
Benefits of the JSSK Scheme
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana is designed to help around 12 million or more pregnant women. It also provides care for newborn babies. Here are the advantages of this plan:
For Pregnant Women:
- This programme lets pregnant women have their normal or C-section deliveries without having to pay at the hospital.
- It gives pregnant women medicines and things they need for free. It also covers the cost of tests.
- Pregnant women get free food to stay healthy, and this scheme even helps sick newborn babies.
- A great part of this plan is that it gives free rides to the hospital from the patient’s home.
- If a pregnant woman needs to go from one hospital to another, the scheme pays for the ride. And after staying in the hospital for 48 hours, they also get a free ride back home.
For Newborn Babies:
- These same good things apply to babies who are born sick. The scheme takes care of them for up to 30 days after they are born.
- Babies up to 1 year old are also covered under this programme.
Application Process for a JSSK Scheme
State governments regularly check and visit different places to make sure the scheme is working well. But, there is NO application process.
Here’s how they do it at both the state and district levels:
In the State:
- When the government says healthcare is free, they choose a State Nodal Officer.
- They set up a way to solve problems to make sure the scheme works well.
- They buy medicines and tools for health check-ups in public health places.
- They create blood banks in special health centres and link them with GPS-equipped vehicles for emergencies.
- They give money to districts and states to run the scheme properly.
- They have meetings to review progress and fix any issues.
In districts, similar things happen with a District Nodal Officer who supervises. The goal is to help people who can’t easily get healthcare for moms and babies. This helps lower the number of moms and babies who die because they couldn’t get the right care. The JSSK scheme gives money and support to those who need it.
Under JSSK a Pregnant Women Will Get Following Benefits:
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) is a comprehensive initiative that ensures pregnant women in India receive necessary medical care and support during childbirth. The program offers a range of essential benefits aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. Here are the benefits provided to pregnant women under JSSK:
Free and Zero Expense Delivery, including C-Section Delivery:
Pregnant women are entitled to free and uncompromised medical care during delivery, covering both normal and C-Section deliveries. This provision alleviates financial burdens associated with childbirth, ensuring a safe and healthy process for both the mother and the child.
Free Drugs and Consumables:
Under JSSK, pregnant women have access to necessary medications and consumables without any cost. This ensures that essential medicines and supplies required during and after delivery are readily available to facilitate a smooth and uncomplicated birthing experience.
Free Essential Diagnostic:
JSSK covers essential diagnostic tests, allowing pregnant women to undergo necessary medical examinations without incurring any charges. Timely and accurate diagnostics contribute to effective medical interventions and appropriate care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Free Provision of Blood:
To address potential blood-related complications during childbirth, JSSK offers the provision of blood without any cost. This ensures that pregnant women have immediate access to blood transfusions when required, contributing to a safer birthing process.
Free Diet Facilities:
Pregnant women receive free diet facilities, ensuring proper nourishment during their stay in the health institution. This includes up to 3 days of free diet facilities for normal delivery and up to 7 days for C-Section delivery, promoting post-delivery recovery and overall well-being.
Free Transport Facilities:
JSSK provides free transport facilities to pregnant women, covering the journey from their homes to health institutions and transportation between health institutions in case of referrals. This ensures that no logistical barriers hinder access to medical care during this crucial time.
Free Drop Back Facility:
After receiving medical care, pregnant women are entitled to a free drop back facility from the institution to their homes. This service ensures a safe and convenient return, promoting a stress-free transition after childbirth.
Exception from All User Charges:
Pregnant women, during the antenatal and postnatal periods, are exempted from all kinds of user charges. This financial exemption further encourages regular check-ups and postnatal care, promoting a healthy start for both the mother and the newborn.
Entitlements for Sick Infants Under JSSK Till One Year After Birth:
Cost-Free Medical Treatment:
Pregnant women receive treatment without any expenses or financial burden.
Free Medications and Supplies:
Medicines and consumables are provided at no cost during the pregnancy and childbirth period.
Complementary Diagnostic Services:
Necessary diagnostic tests are conducted without any charges.
Free Blood Supply:
Access to blood is available at zero cost, addressing potential blood-related complications.
Free Transportation:
Pregnant women receive complimentary transport services from their homes to healthcare facilities.
Transportation Assistance for Referrals:
Free transport is provided between healthcare facilities in cases of referrals.
Return Assistance:
After receiving care, drop-back services are offered from the healthcare facility to the woman’s residence.
Waiver of User Charges:
Pregnant women are exempted from any user charges, ensuring affordability of healthcare services.
Steps Taken by Govt of India for Effective Implementation of JSSK Are:
Periodic Regional and State Level Review Meetings:
Regular review meetings are conducted at regional and state levels to assess and enhance the progress of JSSK implementation, ensuring effective execution.
Effective Communication with State Governments:
The government employs diverse communication channels, including letters and videoconferencing, to liaise with state governments, ensuring a seamless flow of information and fostering collaboration.
Monitoring through Field Visits by Central Level Teams:
Central level teams conduct field visits to monitor the progress of JSSK implementation, ensuring compliance and addressing any challenges that may arise.
Promotion through (IEC) and (BCC) Strategies:
The scheme is popularised through effective IEC and BCC strategies, including mass media campaigns, to create awareness and encourage behavioural changes among the target audience.
Ground-Level Promotion by Field Level Workers (ANMs and ASHAs):
Field-level workers, such as ANMs and ASHAs, actively promote the JSSK program at the grassroots level through interpersonal communication, facilitating its reach and impact.
Referral Transport Services:
States provide referral transport services for pregnant women, sick neonates, and infants based on local needs. Various models, including emergency response vehicles and government ambulances, are utilised to ensure prompt and efficient transportation.
Regular Supportive Supervisory Visits:
A structured mechanism of regular supportive supervisory visits to states and districts is in place. These visits monitor the implementation of JSSK, contributing to the program’s effectiveness and efficient execution.
FAQ’s
How does the JSSK scheme contribute to maternal and child healthcare in India?
The JSSK scheme contributes to maternal and child healthcare in India by providing free treatment benefits to pregnant women and infants at public health institutions.
Are there any income eligibility criteria for beneficiaries of the JSSK scheme?
There are specific income eligibility criteria for beneficiaries of the JSSK scheme. All economically disadvantaged pregnant women and sick neonates are eligible for free services under the scheme.
What are the key components of the JSSK scheme that provide financial assistance to pregnant women?
The key components of the JSSK scheme include -
* Free delivery
* Free drugs and consumables
* Free diagnostics
* Free blood transfusion, and
* Free meals during hospitalisation
Can you explain the role of the Janani Suraksha Yojana in providing financial support to pregnant women?
The Janani Suraksha Yojana plays a role in providing financial support to pregnant women by providing cash incentives to pregnant women who opt for institutional delivery and adhere to certain conditions.
What is the significance of the JSSK scheme in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates?
The JSSK scheme is significant in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates as it improves access to institutional delivery and reduces out-of-pocket childbirth expenses.
How can eligible beneficiaries apply for the benefits of the JSSK scheme?
Eligible beneficiaries can apply for the benefits of the JSSK scheme by visiting their nearest public health institutions.
What are the challenges and opportunities in the successful implementation of the JSSK scheme at the grassroots level?
The challenges and opportunities in the successful implementation of the JSSK scheme at the grassroots level include:
* Shortage of skilled health workers
* Quality of care provided and
* Lack of awareness about the benefits of institutional delivery
How has the JSSK scheme impacted maternal and child healthcare outcomes in India?
The JSSK scheme has impacted maternal and child healthcare outcomes in India by increasing the number of institutional deliveries, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates and improving access to quality healthcare services.
What are some success stories or case studies that highlight the positive effects of the JSSK scheme?
Post-implementation of the JSSK scheme there has been a rise in institutional delivery rates in rural Haryana and North India, this highlights the positive effects of the scheme.
What are the future prospects and potential improvements in the JSSK scheme for better healthcare outcomes?
Potential improvements in the JSSK scheme for better healthcare outcomes include -
* Strengthening the health system
* Improving the quality of care and
* Increasing community participation in healthcare decision-making.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) scheme emerges as a very important initiative in India’s healthcare field. By offering free maternal and child healthcare services, it addresses the pressing issue of high mortality rates among young women aged 15 to 19 due to pregnancy-related complications. With designated officers at both state and district levels, grievance redressal mechanisms, and provisions for essential tools and emergency services, the scheme ensures accessible and effective healthcare. Through its emphasis on financial relief and comprehensive care, JSSK stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to safeguard the well-being of pregnant women and newborns across our nation.
