4 Healthcare schemes by the Government every woman must know

India has come a long way in the field of healthcare. This year’s Union Budget created a landmark by announcing the world’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme. However, most of the population remain ignorant about various healthcare schemes and their healthcare rights. Especially, Women, are at a huge loss as many are unaware about the schemes and policies aiding them.

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Following are the four elementary schemes that every woman must be aware of:

1.     Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojan

Maternity benefits programme, introduced in the year, 2010 and implemented by Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is a conditional transfer scheme for both pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age and above for 1^st live births. This scheme provides, conditions for safe delivery, Child care and good nutrition. Also, the scheme covers the wage loss suffered by these women during child birth.

2. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan

This scheme aims to provide free antenatal services and required treatment to pregnant women in their pregnancy period of 3-6 months living in under-served, semi-urban, poor and rural areas. On 9^th  of every month checkups will take place at the medical centres, government and private hospitals and private clinics. Free of cost tests will include blood pressure, sugar level, weight, haemoglobin test, blood test and screening.

3. Sanitease

Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had launched this scheme under its social development activity “ Swachhagraha” to promote women’s health and hygiene. This scheme aims to create awareness and provide logistics on sanitary napkins for women and girls, especially in rural and urban schools.

4. Janani Suraksha Yojana

This is 100 % Government of India funded Programme, through National Health Mission. The main objective of this scheme is to motivate all BPL, SC and ST Pregnant Women to deliver in health Institutions, to reduce maternal and infant deaths. In this programme, pregnant women of BPL, SC & ST who deliver in health institutions in rural areas are provided Rs 700 cash incentives, in urban areas; Rs 600 and if they deliver through C-Section in private institutions are provided Rs 1500. If the said category Pregnant Women deliver at their homes, they are also provided Rs 500 cash incentives to meet their post-delivery wage loss.