Implementing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana: Experience from Delhi

Abstract

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana aims to improve access to quality health care and relieve the burden of health care costs of the poor population. This article, based on interviews conducted with different stakeholders of the scheme during October-December 2010, looks at the implementation of the scheme in Delhi. A large proportion of the beneficiaries were unaware about the features and benefits of the scheme. A significant proportion of the families availing benefits had incurred the out-of-pocket expenses. The coverage of population was very low. The empanelled hospitals/nursing homes were hesitant in admitting patients with chronic ailments requiring continuous treatment at the hospital. Low package rates and delay in settlement of claims were reported as the major issues by the empanelled hospitals. © 2013 Indian Institute of Health Management Research.