Giving birth in India can be expensive for many families. While government hospitals provide free or low-cost delivery services, the quality of care is often lacking. Many middle-class and upper-class families opt for private hospitals, which charge much higher fees. However, there are some options to reduce or eliminate costs for delivery even in private hospitals.
Delivery Costs in Government Hospitals
Government hospitals and healthcare centers provide maternity services and delivery care either for free or for very minimal charges. This includes tests, medicines, hospital stay, and the delivery itself. Some specific government scheme options include:
- Janani Suraksha Yojana – A conditional cash transfer scheme that provides financial assistance for pregnant women to give birth in healthcare institutions. It covers the cost of delivery and hospital stay.
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram – Launched in 2011, this scheme entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free delivery, including caesarean section. It also covers free drugs, consumables, diagnostic tests, and free blood if needed.
- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan – Launched in 2016, it provides assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month for free.
While costs are nearly eliminated in government hospitals due to these schemes, the quality of facilities and care is often sub-standard. There are concerns about hygiene, lack of adequate medicines and supplies, and shortage of doctors. As a result, families that can afford it opt for private hospitals instead.
Delivery Costs in Private Hospitals
Giving birth in a private hospital typically costs between ₹40,000 to ₹2,00,000 ($500 to $2,500 USD) on average. Costs are higher in metropolitan cities and premium facilities. The major components of delivery costs in private hospitals are:
- Room charges – ₹3,000-₹15,000 per day for a normal delivery room. Luxury or suite rooms cost even more.
- Professional fees – Doctor’s fees can range from ₹15,000 to ₹1 lakh ($200 to $1,300 USD).
- Medicines and consumables – Oxytocin injections, IV fluids, antibiotics, etc. can cost ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
- Diagnostic tests – Ultrasounds, blood tests and other antenatal tests cost ₹2,000 to ₹10,000.
- Delivery charges – ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 for normal delivery, ₹40,000 to ₹2 lakh for C-section.
- Pediatrician fee – First consultation charges for the newborn are ₹1,000 to ₹3,000.
- Other charges – Food, ambulance, etc. may cost ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
It is possible to get discounts on room charges, doctor fees, and total billing by negotiating on your package in advance. However, with all additional expenses, the minimum cost of a private hospital delivery often comes to ₹40,000 to ₹50,000.
How to Reduce the Cost of Delivery
Here are some ways in which you can reduce the financial burden of delivering a baby in India:
- Choose government hospitals or healthcare centers which provide free or low-cost delivery services.
- Enroll in government health schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana which offer financial assistance.
- Purchase a maternity health insurance plan or top-up plan which covers delivery expenses.
- Use corporate healthcare plans if available from your or your spouse’s employer.
- Opt for normal delivery instead of C-section unless medically necessary. It costs significantly less.
- Compare rates across hospitals to find the best deal. Look for available discounts.
- Ask your doctor if you can bring your own medicines, consumables, etc. to avoid hospital markups.
- Negotiate an all-inclusive package rate for delivery in advance.
Government Health Schemes and Insurance
Government health schemes and insurance plans can provide financial assistance and coverage for delivery costs. Some popular options include:
| Scheme | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) | Free delivery services at empaneled hospitals for eligible government employees and pensioners |
| Employee’s State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) | Free delivery services at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries for insured workers earning under ₹21,000 per month |
| Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) | Covers expenses up to ₹5 lakh per family per year including delivery costs at empaneled hospitals |
| Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) | Accident insurance plan which covers ₹1 lakh for delivery expenses due to accident |
| Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) | Life insurance plan which provides ₹2 lakh maternity benefit in case of death of insured |
| Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana | Covers hospitalization expenses up to ₹30,000 including delivery for insured under poverty line families |
| Private maternity insurance plans | Provide coverage ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for delivery expenses. Premiums range ₹5,000 – ₹15,000. |
Purchasing a suitable maternity coverage or top-up plan along with your regular health insurance can provide financial security and relief from expensive private hospital delivery charges.
Free Delivery Services by Charitable Organizations
Some charitable trusts and NGOs also provide free maternity services and delivery care for underprivileged women who cannot afford hospital expenses. These include:
- Stree Seva Sadan hospitals in Mumbai
- Seva Sadan Society hospitals in Delhi
- Calcutta Rescue homes and clinics in Kolkata
- Merrygold Health Network in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh
- BirthIndia in Bihar
- Life Spring Hospitals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Such organizations can provide completely free antenatal consultations, diagnostic tests, medicines, hospital admission, delivery, food, and postnatal care for poorer families. However, availability is limited to certain cities and facilities.
Conclusion
While government hospitals provide free or minimal cost delivery services, quality of care is a major concern. For middle-class and upper-class families, private hospitals are the preferred choice but at much higher expenses of ₹40,000 to ₹2 lakhs on average. Leveraging government schemes, insurance plans, and charitable healthcare can reduce the financial burden significantly. But for the majority of citizens, giving birth still remains a costly affair in India.