AI SummaryJanani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram continues to provide completely free and cashless healthcare services to pregnant women and sick newborns across government health facilities in India. The scheme removes out of pocket expenses for deliveries, including caesarean sections, and ensures essential care for both mother and infant.
Launched in June 2011 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this scheme has expanded over the years to cover all antenatal and postnatal complications. As of 2026, it provides comprehensive support including free care for sick newborns and infants up to one year of age when they visit public health institutions.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram
The National Health Mission page for JSSK was last updated on August 3, 2026, confirming the scheme is active and running across all states and union territories. More than 1.2 crore pregnant women are estimated to benefit each year when they access government health facilities for delivery. The programme also motivates families who still choose home delivery to opt for institutional births.
In 2014, the scheme was extended to cover sick newborns up to 30 days after birth. This has now been further expanded to cover sick infants up to one year of age accessing public health institutions for treatment. The Union Health Ministry also released the Operational Guidelines on National Ambulance Services (NAS) in 2026, which standardises the free referral transport component that is a key part of JSSK entitlements.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram |
| Launched By | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Launch Date | June 1, 2011 |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiaries | Pregnant women and sick infants up to 1 year |
| Benefit Type | Free healthcare services (composite) |
| Application Mode | Offline at government health facilities |
| Official Website | nhm.gov.in |
Benefits
Benefits for pregnant women:
- Free and cashless delivery services including caesarean sections
- Free medicines and essential consumables during stay
- Free diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasonography
- Free diet provided during hospital stay — 3 days for normal delivery, 7 days for caesarean section
- Free provision of blood when needed
- Exemption from all institutional user charges
- Free transport from home to hospital
- Free transport between facilities if referral is needed
- Free drop back home after 48 hours stay
Benefits for sick newborns and infants up to one year:
- Free medical treatment
- Free drugs and consumables
- Free diagnostic tests
- Free provision of blood
- Exemption from all institutional user charges
- Free transport from home to hospitals
- Free transport between medical facilities during referral
- Free drop back from hospital to home
Eligibility
To benefit from Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a pregnant woman
- You must be admitted to a government health facility for delivery or pregnancy-related medical needs
- For sick infants, the child must be up to one year of age and admitted to a public health institution
Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the nearest government health facility such as a Primary Health Centre, Community Health Centre, Sub-District Hospital, District Hospital, or Government Medical College Hospital.
STEP 2 - Inform the medical staff that you are pregnant and need delivery services. The competent staff at the facility will register your case under JSSK.
STEP 3 - Present your identification documents such as Aadhaar number, address proof, domicile certificate, ration card, or Janani Suraksha Card for record purposes.
STEP 4 - The hospital will provide all entitled services free of cost including delivery, medicines, diagnostics, diet, blood if needed, and transport. No payment is required at any stage.
STEP 5 - After delivery, you will receive free drop back transport to your home after a 48-hour stay. For caesarean section, free diet continues for 7 days.
Documents Required
While receiving care at the public health institution, carry these documents for identification and record purposes:
- Aadhaar Number
- Address proof
- Domicile certificate
- Ration card
- Janani Suraksha Card
References
Official JSSK Page - National Health Mission
JSSK Operational Guidelines PDF
National Ambulance Services Guidelines 2026 PDF
FAQ's
What medicines and consumables are provided for a sick newborn?
The complete list of essential medicines and consumables is detailed in Annexure-II of the official scheme guidelines available on the NHM website.
Which tests are covered under free diagnostics?
The scheme covers essential diagnostic services including blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasonography for pregnant women and sick infants.
For how many days will I receive a free diet?
You will receive a free diet for 3 days in case of normal delivery and for 7 days if you undergo a caesarean section.
Is there any application fee associated with this scheme?
No, there is absolutely no application fee. All benefits are provided free of cost at government health facilities.
If I am expecting twins, am I eligible for benefits?
Yes, you are fully eligible to receive all benefits under this scheme regardless of whether you are expecting a single child or twins.
Does getting admitted into a public health facility later in pregnancy affect my entitlements?
No, your entitlements remain secure. If you are admitted into a public health facility for delivery or related complications, you receive your benefits regardless of the timing of your admission.
Is the scheme applicable for sick infants up to one year of age?
Yes, the scheme has been expanded to cover sick infants up to one year of age accessing public health institutions for treatment.
How does the free transport work under JSSK?
Free transport is provided from home to hospital, between facilities in case of referral, and drop back home after 48 hours stay. The 2026 National Ambulance Services guidelines standardise this service across states.