Post utilization survey of RSBY beneficiaries in civil hospital, Ahmedabad: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Poverty is a multi-faced wretched state of deprivation of basic need and facilities. There are different levels to its adverse influence on the individual, family and the community. Thus a Rashtriya Swasthaya Bima Yojana (RSBY) was launched to help these poverty stricken individuals. This study explores into the utilization of Rashtriya Swasthaya Bima Yojana card and their satisfaction. Aims & Objective: Our study explore the awareness level of RSBY beneficiaries with the aims and objective, (1) To analyze the socio-demographic profile and services utilized by beneficiaries; (2) To identify the problems experienced by the beneficiaries and measure the satisfaction level; and (3) Out of pocket expenditure of beneficiaries. Material and Methods: 198 patients were registered between the periods of 01/11/2012 to 28/02/2013 due to some reason 180 beneficiaries were telephonically interviewed about their experience by a pre-tested and pre-designed Performa. The data was collected and analyzed in epi info 7. Results: Male: Female ratio of beneficiaries is 1.4:1. Mean age of beneficiary was around 36 years. 80% beneficiaries were fully satisfied with the services. All the beneficiaries reported that they got the card easily without any hassle. They were not aware about all the benefits of RSBY so they had to spend out of pocket money for some services. Conclusion: RSBY beneficiaries were mostly satisfied with the services provided but there was a major lag in their knowledge regarding the benefits provided under RSBY. They were unaware regarding all benefits under RSBY which they can avail from the scheme. Thus IEC activities should be enhanced to increase the awareness among the RSBY card holders so that they can use better service for themselves and their families.

Does Public Health System Provide Adequate Financial Protection to Its Clients Through RSBY? An Exploratory Study of Tribal Odisha

“…The scheme does not provide adequate financial protection to beneficiaries in the study area thus staying far away from its objective. The findings of the study were relatively similar to other studies (Dasgupta et al, 2013;Devadasan et al, 2013;Gill & Shahi 2012;Nandi et al, 2012;Patel et al, 2013;Seshadri et al, 2012;Thakur, 2016).…”

“…Seshadri et al (2012) also support the above finding that only 15 per cent have cashless experience while others spend from their own pocket. The study by Patel et al (2013) on out-of-pocket expenditure of beneficiaries at a civil hospital in Ahmedabad shows that the expenditure during hospitalization is less but due to lack of knowledge about benefit package they spend from their pocket before and after admission.…”

Penetration and coverage of government-funded health insurance schemes in India

“…related to health insurance schemes ranges between as low as 13.6% to as high as 90% in different states across different socio-economic background households. 6 The low level of awareness also results in poor enrolment/coverage [7][8][9] leading to less than expected outcomes. Studies have reported that as the time passes, with the increase in level of awareness and enrolment, the utilisation of health services would have further increased 10 & 11 and one would have expected its positive impact on financial protection indicators as well.…”

Awareness and satisfaction about state health insurance scheme among beneficiaries at tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra

“…5 In contrast a study of Patel et al showed maximum beneficiaries 25% were from age group 20-30 years, followed by 23.3% from age group 40-50, 21.7% between 30-40 age group. 6 Majority of subject were male (63.4%). Study of Patel (57%), Osuchukwu et al (58.0%) and in study from Madurai district (64.5%) also showed that majority of beneficiaries were male.…”