Part 17: Free Maternity, Child Health & Women’s Healthcare

India has the most extensive maternal and child health programme network in the world. Here is every scheme.

---

National Schemes for Mothers

JSSK (Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram) — Everything Free

• Free delivery (normal + C-section) at all government hospitals.
• Free medicines, tests, blood transfusion, food during hospital stay.
• Free transport (102 ambulance to and from hospital).
• Free newborn care for 30 days after birth.

JSY (Janani Suraksha Yojana) — Cash Incentive

• ₹1,400 (rural) / ₹1,000 (urban) cash incentive for institutional delivery.
• Directly into bank account of the mother.

PMMVY (Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana)

• ₹6,000 (first child) or ₹5,000 (subsequent births) cash benefit.
• Paid in installments during pregnancy and after delivery.
• Apply through Anganwadi worker or online at pmmvy.wcd.gov.in.

National Schemes for Children

RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram)

• Free health screening for all children 0-18 years.
• 30 identified conditions treated completely free: congenital heart defects, cleft lip, club foot, hearing aids, spectacles, childhood cancers.

UIP (Universal Immunization Programme)

• All vaccines free at government facilities: BCG, OPV, Pentavalent, Rotavirus, MR, JE, DPT booster, PCV.

ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services)

• Free supplementary nutrition for children under 6.
• Delivered through 14 Lakh+ Anganwadi centres across India.

---

Next: Part 18 — Free Eye, Dental & Ortho Care