Impact of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram on Out-of-pocket Expenditure among Urban Slum Dwellers in Northern India.

Objective: To assess the impact of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karayakaram (JSSK) on outof- pocket expenditure during perinatal period in an urban slum area of Chandigarh, India. Methods: Data on out-of-pocket expenditure were collected retrospectively from 425 women who gave birth during June 2010 to June 2012. Results: Out-of-pocket expenditure for delivery decreased from Rs. 5342 to Rs. 3565 between pre and post-intervention period. There was no significant difference in catastrophic health expenditures between pre-JSSK (21.2%) and post-JSSK (15.6%) periods (P=0.15). Conclusion: Strengthening of implementation of JSSK is required to ensure universal access for natal care.