Resource

Journal Article

Understanding the use of India's National Health Insurance Scheme for family planning and reproductive health services in Uttar Pradesh

Journal: International Journal of Health Planning Management

Authors: Arupendra Mozumdar, Kumudha Aruldas, Aparna Jain, and Laura Reichenbach

Abstract: India’s National Health Insurance Scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), is intended to expand health services to families living below the poverty line by enrolling them into the scheme through selected health facilities. This cross‐sectional study explored the (a) use of RSBY for family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) services at private health facilities, (b) knowledge of FP/RH service availability, and (c) factors influencing knowledge among RSBY enrolled families. Over 75% of respondents were unaware of FP/RH service availability through RSBY. Use of FP/RH services at private hospitals enrolled in the RSBY was 2%. Nearly 20% of respondents used FP or delivery services from unenrolled private hospitals but could have accessed these services through the scheme. Findings suggest that for RSBY to reach the most vulnerable families, efforts need to be made to better educate enrolled families about their entitlements and benefits of the scheme.