Janani Suraksha Yojana (Maternity Safety Scheme)

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a critical initiative under India's National Health Mission (NHM) that prioritizes safe motherhood. Launched in 2005, the program aims to significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates by promoting institutional deliveries among pregnant women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

SY: A Two-Pronged Approach

1. JSY tackles the challenge of maternal health through a two-pronged approach:

2. Cash Incentive for Mothers: The scheme provides a one-time cash assistance to pregnant women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to encourage institutional deliveries at public health facilities. This financial support helps to defray delivery-related expenses and empowers women to make informed choices regarding their healthcare.

3. Incentivizing ASHA Workers: JSY recognizes the crucial role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in promoting institutional deliveries within communities. ASHA workers are provided with performance-based cash incentives for motivating pregnant women to utilize skilled birth attendants at public health institutions or designated healthcare facilities.

Eligibility for JSY

Pregnant women must be registered under the JSY scheme.

They should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household as per government criteria.

The cash assistance is provided for up to two live births. (This information might vary by state, so include a disclaimer to check with local authorities for the latest guidelines).

Types of Deliveries Covered

JSY promotes institutional deliveries at public health facilities or designated healthcare providers.

In some exceptional cases, home deliveries with skilled birth attendants may also be covered under the scheme. (Again, clarify about specific state regulations).

Additional Support

JSY goes beyond just cash incentives. It emphasizes:

1. Ante-natal Care (ANC): Encourages regular check-ups with healthcare providers during pregnancy.

2. Post-natal Care: Promotes post-delivery check-ups for mothers and newborns.

3. Immunization: Ensures timely vaccination of newborns.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) can be used to help a pregnant woman

• Pregnant woman: Rani is a 25-year-old pregnant woman who lives in a rural village in Uttar Pradesh. She is from a below poverty line (BPL) family and this is her first pregnancy. Rani is aware of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and knows that she can receive financial assistance and free healthcare if she delivers her baby at a government health facility.
• Delivery: Rani goes into labor and is taken to the nearest government health facility, which is a Primary Health Center (PHC). At the PHC, Rani is examined by a doctor and midwife and is determined to be in normal labor. She is admitted to the labor room and is given regular monitoring and support. After a few hours of labor, Rani delivers a healthy baby boy.
• Post-delivery care: After the delivery, Rani and her baby are kept in the PHC for 2 days for observation and care. Rani is given breastfeeding counseling and is taught how to care for her newborn baby. She is also provided with free medicines and nutritional supplements.
• Discharge: On the third day, Rani and her baby are discharged from the PHC. Rani is given a Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) card and is informed that she will receive a cash incentive of Rs. 1,500 for delivering her baby at a government health facility.
• Cash incentive: A few weeks after the delivery, Rani visits the PHC to collect her cash incentive. She is given the money in cash and is also provided with information about other government schemes that she may be eligible for.

Conclusion

Janani Suraksha Yojana has been instrumental in promoting safe motherhood practices in India. By providing financial incentives and recognizing the vital role of ASHA workers, JSY has contributed to a decline in maternal and newborn mortality rate. The program continued implementation with updated guidelines and outreach strategies remains crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and newborns across India.