Which of the following is a key goal of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)?

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Provide free maternal healthcare services

Rationale:

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) is a national program initiated by the Government of India with the primary goal of reducing maternal and infant mortality by providing free and quality healthcare to pregnant women, mothers, and their infants.
The main focus of JSSK is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick neonates, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent them from accessing necessary healthcare services.
Under this scheme, pregnant women are entitled to free delivery services, including Caesarean section, at public health institutions. Additionally, they receive free drugs, diagnostics, diet during their stay, blood transfusion, and transport services.
Newborns are also covered under JSSK for free treatment, which includes free drugs, diagnostics, diet for the mother during the stay, and transport services for sick newborns till 30 days after birth.

Explanation of Other Options:

Reduce adolescent pregnancy rates

Rationale: While reducing adolescent pregnancy rates is an important public health goal, it is not the primary objective of JSSK. This goal is more closely associated with programs focusing on adolescent health and family planning.

Increase awareness about reproductive health

Rationale: Increasing awareness about reproductive health is crucial, but it is generally addressed through educational and outreach programs specifically targeting reproductive and sexual health education, rather than being the main focus of JSSK.

Improve child immunization rates

Rationale: Improving child immunization rates is a significant public health objective, typically addressed through immunization programs like the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). While JSSK indirectly supports child health, its primary goal is to provide free maternal healthcare services.

Conclusion:

The key goal of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) is to provide free maternal healthcare services. This ensures that pregnant women and their newborns receive the necessary medical care without financial barriers, ultimately aiming to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in India.