Evaluation of Referral Transport Services in Haryana
Creation of a strong referral transport network across the country is necessary for improving physical access to public sector health facilities. In this study we evaluated the referral transport services in Haryana, i.e. Haryana Swasthya Vaahan Sewa (HSVS), now known as National Ambulance Service (NAS), to assess the extent and pattern of utilization, and to ascertain its effect on public sector institutional deliveries. The findings of the study showed a positive effect of referral transport service on increasing institutional deliveries. However, this needs to be backed up with adequate supply of basic and emergency obstetric care at hospitals and health centres.
Health Inequities in Three Northern Indian States: Role of Public Sector
Income inequality is associated with poor health. Inequities exist in service utilization and financing for health care. Health care costs push high number of households into poverty in India. The objective of this study was to ascertain inequities in health status, service utilization and out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditures in two States in north India namely, Haryana and Punjab, and Union Territory of Chandigarh. The study findings indicates that public sector health service utilization needs to be improved. OOP health care expenditures at public sector institutions should be curtailed to improve utilization of poorer segments of population. Greater availability of medicines in public sector and regulation of their prices provide a unique opportunity to reduce public sector OOP expenditure.
Evaluation of ICDS program in Chandigarh
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme has been operational for more than three decades in India. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the various aspects of the ICDS program in terms of inputs, process and outcome (coverage), utilization, and issues related to the ICDS program. The study reported gaps in terms of infrastructure facility, different trainings, coverage, supply, and provision of SN, status of PSE activities in AWCs, and provision of different services to the beneficiaries.
Impact of user charges on service utilization in Haryana
User charges have been advocated on efficiency grounds despite the widespread criticism about their adverse effect on equity. This study assessed the effect of user charges on inpatient hospitalizations rate and equity in Haryana State. The findings of study showed that user charges had a negative influence on hospitalizations in Haryana especially among the poor. Public policies for revenue generation should avoid user charges.
Effectiveness of Costing of National Vector Borne Disease Control Program in North India
Despite significant resources being spent on National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), there are meagre published data on health system cost upon its implementation. Hence, the present study estimated the annual and unit cost of different services delivered under NVBDCP in North India. The evidence on cost of NVBDCP can be used to undertake future economic evaluations which could serve as a basis for allocating resources efficiently, policy development as well as future planning for scale up of services.
Economic Analysis for ESIS Primary Health Care Service Delivery
The Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) program, launched in 2018, aims to enhance primary healthcare in India by expanding service coverage, improving care quality, and promoting community participation and wellness. Key reforms include recruiting mid-level healthcare providers, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing diagnostics, and introducing performance-based payments. However, comprehensive data on the cost of delivering primary healthcare remains limited. Additionally, India's public health insurance schemes, such as the Employees's State Insurance Scheme (ESIS), provide comprehensive coverage, including preventive, primary healthcare, and inpatient care, offering financial protection through both direct and indirect healthcare services. Accurate cost data is essential to set proper reimbursement rates and ensure efficient resource allocation. This study seeks to provide economic evidence on primary healthcare costs under AB-HWC and ESIS, develop a financing strategy for purchasing services, and assess how strengthening primary care can reduce reliance on secondary and tertiary care.