Janani Suraksha Yojana: Empowering maternal health and welfare in India

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The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) aims to improve maternal and neonatal health by promoting institutional deliveries and providing financial assistance to pregnant women from low-income families. Here's a comprehensive look into the objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, and impact of this transformative program.

Objectives of Janani Suraksha Yojana

The primary goals of the Janani Suraksha Yojana are:

Reducing maternal and infant mortality rates: The scheme targets a reduction in mortality by ensuring that more women have access to safe and supportive healthcare facilities during childbirth.

Encouraging institutional deliveries: By offering financial incentives, JSY encourages pregnant women, especially those in rural and low-income groups, to opt for deliveries in healthcare facilities.

Providing financial support: Financial aid helps cover the costs associated with childbirth, making it easier for low-income families to afford quality healthcare.

Key features of the scheme

Monetary incentives: Eligible women receive financial assistance for delivering at healthcare institutions. The amount varies across states, particularly differentiating between low-performing and high-performing states based on maternal health indicators.

ASHA support: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a vital role in JSY. They mobilize pregnant women, guide them to healthcare facilities, and offer support during antenatal and postnatal care. ASHAs also receive incentives for each institutional delivery they facilitate.

Eligibility across rural and urban areas: JSY provides financial support across both rural and urban sectors, although the focus remains on rural regions where access to healthcare is often limited.

Eligibility criteria

The Janani Suraksha Yojana primarily targets women from economically weaker sections, and the eligibility criteria include:

BPL (Below Poverty Line) Status: Pregnant women from BPL families are the main beneficiaries. The scheme also extends to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families regardless of economic status.

Age and parity conditions: Pregnant women must be at least 19 years old and eligible for financial aid for up to two live births.

Type of delivery: Both normal and caesarean deliveries are covered under the scheme, ensuring comprehensive support for a variety of birthing needs.

Financial incentives offered under JSY

The financial incentives under the JSY scheme vary by region and are structured to support women in both high-performing and low-performing states. For example:

Low-performing states (LPS): Pregnant women in states with higher maternal and infant mortality rates (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh) receive higher monetary support due to greater need.

High-performing states (HPS): Women in states with better maternal health outcomes (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala) also receive financial aid but at a lower rate compared to LPS regions.

Additionally, ASHAs receive a financial incentive for guiding each case through an institutional delivery, creating a collaborative support system for mothers-to-be.

Benefits of Janani Suraksha Yojana

Increased institutional deliveries: JSY has successfully improved the rate of institutional deliveries, reducing complications associated with childbirth.

Health awareness: ASHAs provide health education to pregnant women, raising awareness on antenatal and postnatal care.

Financial relief: The monetary aid under JSY reduces the financial burden on families, enabling them to access necessary healthcare services without economic strain.

Focus on rural and marginalized women: The scheme targets rural, SC, and ST communities, addressing healthcare disparities in vulnerable populations.

Impact of Janani Suraksha Yojana

Since its inception, the Janani Suraksha Yojana has made significant strides in maternal and neonatal health. Key achievements include:

Increased Institutional Deliveries: Data reveals a notable increase in institutional deliveries in both high- and low-performing states, contributing to improved maternal and infant health.

Reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): With more women opting for professional healthcare facilities for delivery, the maternal mortality rate has shown a steady decline.

Empowerment of ASHAs: The scheme has empowered local healthcare workers, especially ASHAs, creating a sustainable and community-driven approach to maternal health.

Challenges and the way forward

While the Janani Suraksha Yojana has been effective, challenges remain. Limited healthcare infrastructure, especially in remote areas, and delayed incentive payments sometimes hinder the scheme’s reach. Addressing these gaps requires a continued focus on improving healthcare facilities, timely distribution of funds, and enhanced training for healthcare workers.

By empowering women and strengthening maternal healthcare, the Janani Suraksha Yojana reaffirms India's commitment to safeguarding the health of its mothers and newborns.