The health of mothers and children is a crucial aspect of India’s overall well-being. Recognizing the importance of accessible and quality maternal healthcare, the Government of India has implemented two flagship schemes: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK). These schemes aim to promote institutional deliveries, reduce infant mortality rates, and improve maternal health outcomes.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Launched in 2001, JSY is a cash incentive scheme that encourages pregnant women to deliver in public health institutions. Under this scheme, eligible women receive a cash assistance of ₹600 for delivering in rural areas and ₹1000 for delivering in urban areas. This incentive aims to address financial barriers and encourage women to seek institutional care, which can significantly reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal complications.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Introduced in 2011, JSSK complements JSY by providing free and cashless delivery services to all pregnant women and sick newborns (up to 30 days after birth) in all government health institutions, both in rural and urban areas. This scheme covers a comprehensive range of services, including antenatal care, intrapartum care, postnatal care, and newborn care. The objective of JSSK is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for maternal and neonatal healthcare, ensuring that women and their newborns have access to quality care without financial constraints.
Key Differences between JSY and JSSK
The primary distinction between JSY and JSSK lies in their scope and focus. JSY primarily provides cash incentives for institutional deliveries, while JSSK offers a broader range of cashless services for both maternal and neonatal care.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between JSY and JSSK:
| Feature | Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) | Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Cash incentive for institutional delivery | Free and cashless delivery and newborn care services |
| Eligibility | Pregnant women | Pregnant women and sick newborns (up to 30 days after birth) |
| Coverage | Public health institutions | All government health institutions |
| Financial Assistance | ₹600 (rural) | ₹1000 (urban) |
| Services Covered | Institutional delivery | Antenatal care, intrapartum care, postnatal care, newborn care |
Impact of JSY and JSSK
The implementation of JSY and JSSK has had a significant positive impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes in India. The schemes have contributed to increased institutional delivery rates, reduced maternal mortality rates, and improved newborn survival rates.
A study by the National Health Mission (NHM) found that the institutional delivery rate increased from 70% in 2005 to 77% in 2014-15, with JSY being a key driver of this increase. Additionally, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) declined from 167 per 100,000 live births in 2001 to 139 per 100,000 live births in 2015-16, with JSSK playing a crucial role in this reduction.
Conclusion
JSY and JSSK represent India’s commitment to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. By providing financial incentives, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses, and expanding access to quality care, these schemes have contributed to a healthier future for mothers and children across the country.