Since the introduction of the Maha lakshmi scheme, there has been a 31% increase in women using TSRTC buses for commuting in Hyderabad. A survey conducted by the Helping Hand Foundation shows that nearly half of this increase is for medical purposes. The survey was conducted on 3,530 women across various health institutions in the city.
Before the scheme was launched, 52% of women used buses for their daily commute. After the scheme, this number increased to 81%. The survey was conducted in multiple government health facilities, mainly in the southern part of the city.
The survey revealed that 15% of women are now using the free bus services to access free public health facilities. The number of women visiting government hospitals and other health centers for outpatient consultations and antenatal care has also increased. 71% of women traveled for outpatient consultations, 18% for antenatal care, and 11% for other reasons.
It was observed that 70% of travelers used the free bus service both ways while visiting hospitals, and 30% used it only one way. Over 33% of women traveled from distances longer than 25 km to access government hospitals. The number of women traveling from districts has also increased.
The scheme has proven to be financially beneficial for women. Over 35% said they are saving more than Rs 1,000 by availing the twin benefits of free transport and free healthcare. 52% said they save between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per visit. These savings can potentially improve other social aspects for marginalized women and their families.
60% of women said the savings will help them pay their children’s school fees, 28% said it will improve their food security, and the rest said it will help them in other ways.
