Saving mothers and newborns through reformed health care: An empirical investigation of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) in Uttarakhand

Finding ways to reduce new-born deaths is a critical part of achieving global goals on improving child survival. Launched in 2005, JSY benefits 10 million women every year. It integrates cash assistance with natal and post-natal care for women in states with low institutional delivery rates, including Uttarakhand. The initiative entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to entirely free and no-expense delivery. The study revealed that a large number of mothers kept themselves away from accessing and utilising JSY. JSY is the principal programme of its manner, and its success has huge implications for global health policy. The study evaluated the JSY and reported that cash incentive to women who did institutional deliveries lowered stillbirths and new-born deaths. The study explains how despite geographical distance, pregnant mothers travel and access ANC care, but find it difficult to access delivery and post-natal care. The success of JSY in this analysis is very encouraging, but more work needs to be done to reach the poorest and most disadvantaged women. For instance, there were variations among the districts, both in implementation and impact. It is a matter of concern that Uttarakhand has faced challenges in providing consistent services to pregnant women due to the scattered nature of the settlements and hilly terrain of the state.