Kerala to scrap scheme assisting poor pregnant women
Synopsis
The Kerala government has decided to put an end to Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) in the state, a scheme under the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) which encourages institutional delivery among poor pregnant women, saying that the Centre has failed to provide enough funds to support the scheme.
This move is going to affect the tribal women of the state who rely heavily on government hospitals for childbirth. This scheme was a great relief to these pregnant women who were ensured free treatment, food and travel.
The Central Government implemented JSY IN 2005 under NRHM to encourage institutional delivery with an objective to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. JSY works towards providing financial assistance to women who belong to the below poverty line households.
The amount for the project was included in the fund provided to hospitals through NRHM district programme officers. However, this year the Centre did not include the fund for the same and this has resulted in the withdrawal from the scheme.