A study on implementation and factors affecting functioning of Chiranjeevi Yojna in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to study the bottlenecks and factors affecting the implementation of Chiranjeevi Yojna (CY) in Ahmedabad district. Setting And Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six blocks of Ahmedabad district from April 2010 to June 2010. Materials And Methods: We conducted detail interview of 50 beneficiaries of CY, 50 nonbeneficiaries of CY, 24 health workers and 13 doctors with pretested questionnaires after taking informed verbal consent. Data entry and analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Epi Info 3.5.1 software package. Statistical Analysis: Percentages, Chi-square test, Wilcoxon matched – pair test were used. Results: In more than 80% of the cases, place of delivery was decided by mother in law and husband, in both groups. It was seen that main motivator to join the scheme were Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in 86% of the beneficiaries. In this study, beneficiaries were started antenatal visit early and taken more antenatal visits as compared to nonbeneficiaries and the difference is statistically significant. In this study, most of the beneficiaries were satisfied with the service but unsatisfied with the payment modalities. Very few beneficiaries have received cash assistance, and full payment (Rs. 200 + Rs. 50) was only given in around 10.53% of cases. Conclusion: ANMs and ASHAs have been found effective in building awareness and guiding the clients to utilize the services. The level of education and awareness about CY was very low among the beneficiaries and nonbeneficiaries. Satisfaction with the service among client was quite good.