Central government scheme · All India
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Completely free delivery and newborn care at government hospitals.
Headline benefit
Free delivery — including C-section
- Administered by
- National Health Mission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Coverage
- All India
- Benefit
- Free delivery & care
- Where
- Government hospitals
- Income test
- None (universal)
- Official sources onlyFigures cited from government portals
- Verified 9 July 2026Amounts change — confirm on the portal
- Educational guidanceNot legal or financial advice
Last verified 9 July 2026 · Amounts and rules can change — confirm current details on the official portal before applying.
Overview
What is JSSK?
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), launched on 1 June 2011, entitles every pregnant woman who delivers at a government health institution to completely free, zero-expense treatment — including a caesarean section.
Since 2014 it also covers antenatal and postnatal complications of pregnancy and every sick newborn and infant up to one year of age treated at a public facility.
There is no income limit, BPL card, or category requirement. JSSK is a universal entitlement created to remove out-of-pocket cost as a barrier to safe childbirth.
What you get
Benefits
Free delivery
Both normal delivery and caesarean section, at no cost.
Free medicines & consumables
All drugs and surgical items you need.
Free diagnostics
Lab tests and ultrasound scans.
Free diet
During your stay — up to 3 days (normal delivery) or 7 days (C-section).
Free blood
Blood and blood components at no cost.
Free transport
Home to facility, referral between facilities, and drop-back home via 102/108 ambulances.
The money
Financial assistance available
| Delivery (normal & C-section) | Free |
|---|---|
| Drugs & consumables | Free |
| Diagnostic tests (lab & ultrasound) | Free |
| Diet during stayUp to 3 days (normal) / 7 days (C-section). | Free |
| Blood | Free |
| Transport (pick-up, referral, drop-back)Call 102 / 108. | Free |
| User chargesAll user fees are waived. | None |
Who qualifies
Eligibility
Quick self-check
Am I eligible?
Tick the statements that apply to you. This is a self-check to help you understand JSSK — it is not an eligibility decision. The official portal is the final authority.
What to gather
Required documents
Any government ID (e.g. Aadhaar)Required
Mainly for records.
MCP cardIf applicable
If you have one.
The child's recordsIf applicable
For a sick newborn/infant.
Step by step
How to apply
Ways to apply
- No form needed — the entitlement applies automatically at any government health facility
Go to a government health facility
AnytimeFor antenatal care, delivery, or if your newborn is unwell.
Claim your JSSK entitlements
At the facilityFree care, medicines, tests, diet, blood and transport are your right — you should not be charged.
Use the free ambulance
As neededCall 102 or 108 for free pick-up, referral transfer, and drop-back home.
Report any charges
If neededIf you're asked to pay or to buy medicines/tests, raise it with the facility in-charge or the state health helpline.
Don't miss these
Important deadlines
Maternity entitlements
Throughout pregnancy, delivery and the postnatal period
Sick newborn / infant care
Up to 1 year of age
Take it with you
Download your application checklist
A ready-to-use list of the documents to gather and the steps to follow for JSSK. Save it, print it, or take it to your Anganwadi Centre, hospital, or employer.
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for medicines or tests you're entitled to receive free — ask before you pay.
- Not using the free 102/108 ambulance for transport to and from the facility.
- Assuming you need a BPL card — you don't; JSSK is universal.
- Expecting JSSK at private hospitals — it applies at government facilities.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Is a C-section really free under JSSK?
Yes. Both normal delivery and caesarean section are completely free at government health institutions, along with medicines, tests, diet, blood and transport.
Do I need a BPL card?
No. JSSK is universal — there is no income test, BPL card, or category requirement. Every woman delivering at a public facility is entitled to free care.
Does it cover private hospitals?
No. JSSK entitlements apply at government / public health facilities. For care at empanelled private hospitals, an eligible family may be able to use Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY).
The hospital asked me to buy medicines — is that allowed?
No. Medicines, consumables and tests you need should be provided free. Politely raise it with the facility in-charge or your state health helpline if you're asked to pay.
Can I use JSSK with JSY or PMMVY?
Yes. JSSK gives you free services; JSY and PMMVY are cash benefits. They are complementary.
Go to the source
Official government resources
Free tools
Keep planning with ParentVibes
Related maternity schemes
JSY
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
A cash incentive for delivering your baby safely in a health facility.
Headline benefit
₹600 – ₹1,400 cash for institutional delivery
Ayushman Bharat
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) Maternity Benefits
₹5 lakh a year family health cover that includes maternity and newborn care.
Headline benefit
₹5 lakh/year family health cover
PMMVY
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
A direct cash maternity benefit for your first child and a second girl child.
Headline benefit
Up to ₹11,000 cash benefit
Plan the rest of your pregnancy
This page is an educational summary of a publicly available government scheme, verified against official sources on 9 July 2026. Scheme amounts, eligibility and rules change with government policy — always confirm the current details on the official portal above before you apply. It is not legal, financial, or medical advice. See our editorial policy for how we source and review content.
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