A Bandra East resident's harrowing experience has raised questions about the effective implementation of the Centre's welfare scheme — Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) — launched in 2011 to provide free and cashless assistance to women for their delivery at public health institutions. However, Tauseef Sheikh, who earns Rs 9,000 per month, ended up shelling out Rs 39,000 from his own pocket after his wife experienced unexpected complications post-childbirth. Sheikh submitted a written complaint (mid-day has a copy) to the hospital on September 13, alleging that he had to run from pillar to post to arrange for money needed for the treatment of his wife. Nazmeen, 30, who was admitted to Bhabha Hospital in Bandra West under JSSK on August 29, started bleeding profusely after delivering the child.

"Around 7.30 pm, my wife gave birth to a baby girl, but was bleeding profusely and had to be shifted to an ICU. The doctors then informed me that she was in dire need of further tests, blood and platelets, for which I will have to make my own arrangements from a private blood bank. I was told that a credit note was to be issued subsequently, as the senior doctor was not available for approval at that moment," said Sheikh, an automobile delivery man. Sheikh, who lives at Bharat Nagar in Bandra West, said he had managed to collect around Rs 40,000 with the help of his friends and family.