A Study to Assess Awareness, Utilization, and Impact of the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) Scheme Among Rural Beneficiaries in Selected District of Chh. Sambhaji Nagar

Abstract

Abstract\r\nIntroduction: Maternal and child health remain important indicators of the social, economic and health development of a nation. India has shown remarkable progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality over the past two decades through focused public health programmes, increased institutional deliveries, improved antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and strengthened newborn care services. The Government of India launched Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) to provide assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at zero cost to pregnant women, mothers and newborns visiting public health facilities. The present study was conducted to assess awareness, utilization and impact of the SUMAN scheme among rural beneficiaries in selected areas of Chh. Sambhaji Nagar district, Maharashtra.\r\nObjectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the level of awareness regarding the SUMAN scheme among rural beneficiaries, examine the extent of utilization of services provided under the scheme, and evaluate the perceived and actual impact of the scheme on maternal and child health outcomes.\r\nResearch Methodology: A mixed-methods research design was adopted. The quantitative component consisted of a cross-sectional household survey, while the qualitative component included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The study was conducted in selected rural communities of Chh. Sambhaji Nagar district, Maharashtra. The study population included women of reproductive age group, especially women who had delivered within the past two years, frontline health workers such as ASHAs and ANMs, and local health administrators. The quantitative sample size ranged from 500 to 1000 respondents, determined by prevalence estimates and margin of error. The qualitative component included 2–6 focus group discussions and 10–12 in-depth interviews. Stratified random sampling was used for the quantitative survey and purposive sampling was used for qualitative data collection. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview guides.\r\nResults: The findings showed that approximately 65% of rural beneficiaries had awareness regarding the SUMAN scheme. About 58% had accessed at least one service under the SUMAN initiative. A decline in maternal complications was observed among beneficiaries who utilized services under the scheme. Qualitative findings revealed that ASHA workers, ANMs and family members played an important role in motivating women to use maternal and newborn health services. However, gaps were identified in information dissemination, transportation support, follow-up care, respectful communication and consistent service delivery.\r\nConclusion: The study concluded that awareness and utilization of the SUMAN scheme among rural beneficiaries were moderate. The scheme has contributed positively to maternal and child health outcomes by improving access to antenatal care, institutional delivery, postnatal care and newborn services. However, gaps remain in awareness generation, service accessibility and continuity of care. Strengthening community-based health education, frontline worker support, grievance redressal and monitoring mechanisms is essential to improve the effective implementation of the SUMAN scheme in rural areas.\r\n