Which of the following was a major outcome of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)?

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Increased institutional deliveries

Rationale:

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission (NHM) in India. It aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women.
One of the major outcomes of JSY has been a significant increase in the number of institutional deliveries. This is achieved through providing financial incentives to pregnant women, particularly those from low-income families, to encourage them to give birth in healthcare institutions rather than at home.
The scheme primarily targets poor pregnant women with the objective of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by ensuring that deliveries are conducted under proper medical supervision.
The increase in institutional deliveries has contributed to better maternal and child health outcomes by ensuring skilled birth attendance, timely medical intervention during complications, and access to essential maternal and newborn care.

Explanation of Other Options:

Higher maternal mortality rates

Rationale: Higher maternal mortality rates are not an outcome of the JSY. The primary aim of the scheme is to reduce maternal mortality rates by promoting institutional deliveries and ensuring that pregnant women have access to medical care during childbirth.

Improved prenatal care

Rationale: While JSY indirectly contributes to improved prenatal care by encouraging women to visit healthcare facilities, the main focus of the scheme is on increasing institutional deliveries. Improved prenatal care is more directly addressed by other healthcare initiatives.

Increased access to contraception

Rationale: JSY does not directly focus on increasing access to contraception. It is specifically aimed at ensuring safe delivery practices and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality through institutional deliveries.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the major outcome of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has been the increased number of institutional deliveries. This initiative has played a crucial role in improving maternal and neonatal health by ensuring that deliveries occur under medical supervision, thereby reducing the risks associated with childbirth.