An assessment of institutional deliveries under JSY at different levels of health care in Jaipur District, Rajasthan.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has been implemented in the country to enhance institutional deliveries. This study assess the gaps in delivery services and utilization of resources at Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care Centers (BEmOCs, & CEmOCs), accredited sub centers and private hospitals in district Jaipur, Rajasthan.

METHODS

The study was undertaken during October-December 2008 in 31 selected health facilities (5 CEmOCs, 4 BEmOCs, 14 accredited subcentres and 8 accredited private hospitals) in district Jaipur. Both primary and secondary data was collected using qualitative and quantitative techniques, by facility survey, interview of service providers (specialists, medical officers, and paramedical staff) and beneficiaries.

RESULTS

There is an increase in institutional deliveries following implementation of JSY. Though the normal deliveries were conducted 24 hours by the BEmOCs and CEmOCs however the necessary drugs like parental antibiotics, mesoprostol, magsulf etc were in short supply and use of partograph was absent at the health facilities. The quality of emergency obstetric care services was still poor due to the lack of blood storage units and anesthetists in CEmOCs. Private accredited hospitals fared better as they had the manpower and managed more complicated cases as compared to government facilities, for caesarean sections. The accredited sub centers were nonfunctional negating the very objective of accreditation. Community is still unaware of the 24 hour stay post delivery and provision of grievance redressal system.

CONCLUSION

The quality aspects of institutional deliveries are far from desired level mostly because of lack of resources, both manpower and materials; non achievement of IPHS standards etc. The service quality related to antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care need to be improved. The JSY is perceived as an effective scheme by the beneficiaries but gaps in resources and lack of quality of services needs to be adequately dealt with.