New Scheme For Pregnant Women

The state government will launch the Janani Sishu Suraksha Karyakramam (JSSK), a scheme that provides for free cashless deliveries, and care for sick newborns for upto 30 days after birth, at all government health institutions. The launch will take place on 22 October.

The scheme was originally launched by the Central government in June this year.

Under the scheme, pregnant women will be provided free delivery service, free Caesarean section, free diagnostic services during the ante-natal period, free drugs and free diet.

These services will be provided for 3 days in PHCs (plain area), and for 5 days in government institutions. In cases of C-section, 7 days of health care will be provided.

In addition, mothers-to-be get free provision of blood, free transportation from home to health institutions, and in case of referrals, a drop back at home. They also get exemption from user charges.

Further, sick newborn will be entitled for free and zero-expense treatment, free drugs and consumables, free diagnosis, free provision of blood, free transportation from home to health institutions, and between health institutions (and drop at home) in case of referrals, and exemption from all user charges for upto 30 days.

These facilities will be available at all government health institutions, including PHCs, CHCs, area hospitals, district hospitals, teaching & maternity hospitals.

The scheme will be launched by Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. D L Ravindra Reddy, on 22 October, at his chambers, at 10:30am. (INN)