Functioning of Janani Suraksha Yojna: Constraint of Multipurpose Health Worker Females

Abstract

Government launched Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention to reduce maternal mortality and infant mortality rate through better provision and utilization of services. We carried a study in four sub-centres, selected purposively, from two rural blocks of Haryana, a province of north India to review functioning of JSY and to access the problems faced by MPHW females in implementation of JSY. All the beneficiaries who received the benefits from 1.4.2009 to 31.3.2010 were enrolled in the study. In-depth interviews using semi-structured schedule, conducting house-to-house visits were done for the purpose. Multi -purpose health worker (female) i.e. MPHW (F) of the sub-centers, serving in the area were interviewed regarding problems faced by them during implementation of JSY. We found that most of beneficiaries belonged to BPL as well as Schedule caste categories. Less than 15% of the beneficiaries received payment within one month. More than 80% of the beneficiaries got ≥2 ante-natal checkups, while post-natal checkups were received by less than 10%. More than two-third of the deliveries were still being conducted at home.  There was significant failure of JSY at implementation level. MPHW (F) lack guidance, monitoring and supervision by the medical officers. MPHW (F), the funds were made available during the 3rd or last quarter of financial year and guidelines for utilization of funds was not clear, which not only delays the payment but also reduces the effectiveness of the scheme.