Dr. Madhurima Nundy, Dr. Rajib Dasgupta, Kanica Kamungo, Sulakshana Nandi, Dr. Ganpathy Murugan
2013 | Sama
This paper is based on a quantitative analysis of the operationalization of RSBY (the state funded health insurance scheme for BPL families) in Chhattisgarh. It presented findings from six studies on implementation of RSBY, enrollment of RSBY, access of particularly vulnerable tribal groups to health, provider perspectives on design of RSBY, Health services at various levels and experience of beneficiaries in private hospitals covering nearly all the districts of the Chhattisgarh.
This paper questions the ‘tendency to pass off health insurance as Health for All’ In the light of evidence of low enrolment rates in RSBY among vulnerable groups, high out of pocket health expenditure even among those enrolled. The evidence in the paper shows that design constrains limit the reach of RSBY, it also leads to constraints faced by public and private providers who are covered under RSBY and a range of beneficiary related issues. From a right to health perspective, therefore the paper questions the efficacy of a model of insurance in a situation like India where even with demand side financing, out sourcing of provision to private providers with government being the purchaser and regulator, is benefitting the private providers.