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Demand side financing for reproductive and child health services in India

Publication Type : Journal

Publisher : JSTOR

Source : Economic and Political Weekly

Url : https://www.jstor.org/stable/4417708

Campus : Kochi

School : Center for Nanosciences, School of Nanosciences

Center : Nanosciences

Year : 2006

Abstract : Currently, reproductive and child health services in India are tax financed and provided through supply side financing mechanisms. Some of the limitations of supply side financing are the inability to target the poor, lack of user choice, and the absence of linkages between provider payments and performance. Hence, there is a need to develop innovative financing mechanisms, which are able to target scarce resources at those who cannot afford to pay. One option is demand side financing. Demand side subsidies are not only better at targeting subsidies to the poor, but by linking subsidies with output, also provide the right incentives for efficiency. This paper discusses the concept of demand side financing and recommends piloting of a competitive voucher scheme as a mechanism for RCH services in India.

Cite this Research Publication : Bhatia MR, Yesudian CAK, Gorter A, Thankappan K R. Demand Side Financing for Reproductive and Child Health Services in India. Economic and Political Weekly 2006; 41 (3): 279-284

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