U.S.-Designed Voucher Program Brings Healthcare to Uttarakhand Women

May 20, 2007

Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank,' Uttarakhand Health Minister, Elizabeth Hogan, USAID India Deputy Director, and Vijendra Paul, Principal Secretary Health launch voucher scheme that enables poor women to access maternal and child healthcare services free of cost in Uttarakhand. Photo credit: USAID/Moni Sagar

NEW DELHI –A voucher scheme designed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that enables poor women to access healthcare services free of cost was launched by the Uttarakhand Health Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, at the Mela Hospital in Haridwar today.

Ms. Beth Hogan, USAID India Deputy Director, congratulated state representatives for their “vision and willingness to try something new through an initiative that promises to bring health benefits to poor families, namely by providing access at no cost to facilities for deliveries, family planning and post-natal care.”

Under the scheme, more than 150,000 persons will receive health services by using gift vouchers at seven accredited private nursing homes. The scheme is unique and serves as an example of demand-side financing for health care services. Vouchers allow women who are below the poverty line to choose their health service providers, based on the quality offered by private providers.

USAID has helped launch a similar voucher scheme in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh to improve access to family planning, maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Around 350 people, including senior health officials of the state, elected representatives of the district, representatives form private nursing homes, professional health associations, NGOs, community health volunteers and a few potential beneficiaries participated in the event.

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