Study on Utilization of Free Neonatal Services Under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram at Government Health Facilities in Haldwani Block, District Nainital, Uttarakhand

Considering the fact that almost all childhood mortality & morbidity in India is preventable, the Government of India is making numerous efforts to reduce neonatal mortality. So far, several initiatives have been undertaken in India to achieve this objective. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) is a recent initiative towards this end which was launched on 1^st June 2011. Under JSSK, free entitlements have been put in place for pregnant women & sick neonates up to 30 days of age.

To assess the utilization of free neonatal services under JSSK by study subjects and to assess out of pocket expenditure incurred on utilization of various services for neonates.

A cross sectional observational study was conducted in Haldwani block of District Nainital. Samples were collected from 30 clusters/villages using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.

Regarding the utilization of free neonatal government services, Majority (62.5%) availed free diagnostic services. However only 37.9% neonates availed free drugs & equal number were exempted from user charges for OPD. Only 3.4% availed free referral transport from home to facility while none of them availed drop back referral transport. The median OOP expenditure on drugs, diagnostics, user charges on OPD and transport was Rs. 200, 100, 15 and 40 respectively in case of neonates.

The utilization of free neonatal services under JSSK was found to be low in our study; lowest utilization being of referral transport service while maximum expenditure was incurred on drugs.