ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF JSY ON MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS OF AGRA DISTRICT

Abstract

Background: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was launched in April 2005 to promote institutional deliveries among the poor population, through provision of referral, transport, and escort services. JSY integrates cash assistance with delivery and post delivery care for women to have healthy outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth. This is a mile stone scheme aimed for improving women’s health. Objectives: The study was conducted to assess antenatal, postnatal and delivery care services before and after implementation of Janani Suraksha Yojana. Methodology: This was an observational Cross Sectional study conducted in a block of Agra District selected randomly. Study subjects were married women of reproductive age group having at least two children, one born before and another born after implementation ofJanani Suraksha Yojana. Pretested, predesigned, structured, close ended schedule was used for interviewing the study group women who were asked the same set of questions regarding antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care in both pregnancies, latest as well as previous. Results: Antenatal registrations were found to be increased from 61.60% (Pre-JSY period) to 95.60% in JSY period. Early antenatal registrations (<12 weeks) have been increased from 26.62% to 72.80%. Complete ANC i.e. >3 ANC visits, 2 doses of TT/booster and received of 100 IFA tablets, was almost nonexistent in Pre-JSY period (3.25%), has increased to 25.52% during JSY period. Deliveries at govt. health facility has almost doubled from Pre-JSY period (25.60%) to JSY period (53.20%). The overall coverage of Postnatal Check-up i.e. at least one, in present study has increased in JSY period (69.20%) than Pre-JSY period (46.00%). Conclusion: JSY has shown a positive impact on maternal health services by improvement in antenatal, postnatal and delivery care. But we are still lagging behind in providing complete antenatal as well as postnatal care.