Study on Level of Awareness and Factors Contributing to Non-Utilization of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) in Charotar Region, Gujarat

Abstract

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) is an ambitious health insurance programme for below poverty line (BPL) population launched by the government of India in 2008 to provide universal health coverage. Researchers in this study made an attempt to assess the real impact of this scheme in Gujarat and appraise the systemic inefficiencies at the level of beneficiaries by identifying factors contributing to non-utilization and perceived information need about RSBY. A multistage random sampling method was used for the selection of respondents and the four stages include talukas, villages, wards and households. After obtaining the written informed consent, responses were collected on a structured questionnaire in vernacular on the mobile-based MAGPI platform from 372 eligible respondents. Findings of this study reveal that only 63 (17%), 56 (15.05%), 49 (13.17%), 15 (4.03%) and 5 (1.34%) respondents were aware about some of the key aspects of RSBY scheme like annual insurance coverage, which document should be carried to avail RSBY benefits scheme, no provision for OPD charges in case there is no hospitalization, provision of cashless hospitalization or free treatment and transportation charges given under the scheme, respectively. This alarmingly abysmal level of awareness among the potential beneficiaries makes it clear that this scheme has a very limited acceptance among people irrespective of their age, gender or educational level, even though men seem to be more aware than women with some aspects of the scheme namely, RSBY coverage and document needed while the level of education of respondents seems to have significant association with their awareness about cashless hospitalization in RSBY scheme. Results of this study highlighted lack of awareness among potential beneficiaries as the main factor contributing to non utilisation of RSBY scheme in study areas. This underlines the need of immediate intervention by all stakeholders to augment their level of awareness about this scheme.

Keywords: Health Insurance, Universal Health Coverage, Utilization, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, RSBY, Gujarat, India

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