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Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
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Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram

Ministry of Health & Family WelfareactivehealthLaunched: 2011-06-01

About the Scheme

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) launched to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick newborns (up to one year) in government health institutions, providing free delivery services including caesarean sections

Target Beneficiaries: 12 million+ pregnant women annually and sick newborns/infants up to 1 year accessing public health institutions for absolutely free delivery and treatment services

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) through State Health Departments and public health facilities.

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Free delivery, including C-sections, in public health institutions.
  • Free drugs, consumables, and diagnostics for pregnant women and sick newborns.
  • Free blood transfusion services for pregnant women.
  • Free transport from home to health institution, between facilities, and drop-back home.
  • Exemption from user charges for all services.
  • Provision for managing complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • All pregnant women delivering in public health institutions.
  • Sick newborns up to 30 days after birth, accessing public health institutions.
  • No financial criteria for eligibility, universal access for target groups.

★Benefits

  • Financial protection against high healthcare costs for maternal and newborn care.
  • Improved access to quality medical care for pregnant women and sick newborns.
  • Reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • Increased institutional deliveries, leading to safer outcomes.
  • Comprehensive care package addressing critical health needs.

▶Application Process

  • Accessing services at any government health facility.
  • Automatic entitlement to JSSK benefits upon admission for delivery or newborn care.
  • No separate application form is typically required, as it is an entitlement-based scheme.

₹ Budget Allocation

694.72

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 60:40 (General States), 90:10 (NE/Hilly), 100% (UTs) under NHM.

Exam Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance8%
Mains Relevance9%

Syllabus Tags

National Health Mission (NHM)Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3)Public Health InfrastructureHealthcare FinancingJanani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)

Historical Context

Launched on 1st June 2011 to supplement the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).

Exclusion Criteria

  • Deliveries in private hospitals (not empaneled)
  • Children above 1 year of age (except specific conditions)
  • Non-emergency services not covered under the specified list

Challenges

  • Shortage of essential drugs in peripheral health centers
  • Lack of blood bank facilities at First Referral Units (FRUs)
  • Delays in ambulance response times in difficult terrains
  • Inequitable quality of care across different states

Reforms & Recommendations

  • Regular social audits to check the 'hidden costs' incurred by beneficiaries
  • Mandatory display of 'Entitlements Board' in all public hospitals in local languages

Performance Statistics

Metric

88.6%

Source: NFHS-5

Metric

97 per lakh live births

Source: SRS Bulletin

Critical Analysis

JSSK is a critical rights-based initiative that recognizes 'Out-of-Pocket Expenditure' (OOPE) as a major barrier to institutional delivery. While it has successfully increased institutional births, 'hidden costs' (like tips to staff or purchase of external medicines when stock is out) still persist. Its success is intrinsically linked to the availability of the 'last mile' free transport (102/108 services).

SDG Linkages

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Constitutional Backing

Article 47: Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public healthArticle 21: Right to Health as part of Right to Life

Technology Used

MCTS (Mother and Child Tracking System)102/108 Ambulance GPS trackingDirect Benefit Transfer for transport costs (where applicable)

Success Stories

Bike Ambulances for JSSK Transport

Key Takeaways

  • Free and cashless delivery
  • Free C-Section
  • Free drugs and consumables
  • Free diagnostics (Blood, Urine, Ultrasound)
  • Free diet during stay
  • Free transport from home to facility and back

Probable Questions

Discuss the impact of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) in reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) for maternal health in India.

EasyHigh

Mains Answer Fodder

JSSK is a cornerstone of India's strategy to meet SDG 3 (Maternal and Child Health). It complements Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) – while JSY provides cash incentives, JSSK provides 'service entitlements'. It shifts the focus from just 'reaching the hospital' to 'free care within the hospital'.

Convergence Schemes

  • National Health Mission (NHM)
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Sector Tags

HealthWomen and Child Development