Maulshree Seth writes about an innovative scheme that has been introduced by India to promote reproductive health care.
She says that a "Health Voucher" system for reproductive health services, has been introduced in March this year as a pilot project for seven rural blocks of Agra. And according to her it has benefited over 3,500 women so far.
A number of NGO’s and health activists identify women who are living below the poverty line. These women are given vouchers which entitle them to consult a gynecologist, get anti natal and post natal care, institutional delivery and tests including RTI, STI, and Ultrasound— all for free. They get treatment at 10 premier private hospitals of Agra identified by the government.