CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Launched in June 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a flagship health initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, aimed at improving maternal health outcomes by providing free, high-quality antenatal care (ANC) to pregnant women across India.
Under this programme, ANC services are provided on the 9th of every month at government health facilities, focusing on women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy. As of June 2025, more than 6.19 crore women have availed services under this programme marking a crucial step in strengthening India’s public health infrastructure.
Primary Goal: Lowering Maternal and Infant Death Rates
PMSMA's primary objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates by ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of high-risk pregnancies. Early detection, effective counselling, and prompt medical referrals form the core of this effort, promoting safer pregnancies and childbirth experiences.
Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration
One of the scheme’s innovative aspects is its partnership with private sector doctors, who volunteer their time and expertise. Their contributions include:
Conducting ANC check-ups in public health facilities
Supporting health awareness campaigns
Augmenting the medical workforce during PMSMA days
This public-private model has been critical in bridging resource gaps in underserved regions.
Key Participation Figures:
Volunteer Doctors Registered: 6,813
Health Facilities Offering PMSMA Services: 20,752
Positive Impact On Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
The scheme has played a key role in India’s substantial reduction in MMR:
MMR (2014–16): 130 per 1 lakh live births
MMR (2021–23): 80 per 1 lakh live births
This 50-point decline showcases the success of PMSMA and allied programmes in improving maternal health outcomes.
Aligned With RMNCAH+N Framework
PMSMA operates under the broader umbrella of RMNCAH+N the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health plus Nutrition strategy under the National Health Mission (NHM). Its goals include:
Ensuring every pregnant woman receives at least one check-up by a specialist in the 2nd or 3rd trimester
Enhancing the quality of ANC services, especially for High-Risk Pregnancies (HRPs)
Promoting birth preparedness and early identification of complications
Addressing malnutrition and adolescent pregnancies
Key Features Of PMSMA
Dedicated ANC day on the 9th of every month
Voluntary participation of medical specialists
Free diagnostics, nutrition counselling, and medicines
Focused screening and management of high-risk cases
Public-private collaboration to enhance outreach
Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA): A Follow-Up Mechanism For HRPs
Launched in January 2022, the E-PMSMA initiative strengthens PMSMA by ensuring continuous monitoring of high-risk pregnancies through delivery and postnatal care.
Highlights As Of December 31, 2024
High-Risk Pregnancies Identified: Over 78.27 lakh
Name-based digital tracking of HRPs
Up to four ANC sessions monthly for HRP cases
Individual follow-up until 45 days post-delivery
SMS alerts to pregnant women and ASHAs for regular check-ups
Incentives for both HRP women and ASHA workers
Services Provided Under PMSMA
Comprehensive antenatal check-ups
Blood pressure and urine testing
Blood group and haemoglobin testing
Tetanus immunization
Nutritional advice and supplementation
Referral to higher facilities for complications
Birth preparedness counselling
Integration With Other Maternal And Child Health Schemes
PMSMA functions in synergy with several national programmes to ensure holistic maternal and child healthcare:
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) - Offers conditional cash transfers to promote institutional deliveries. Beneficiaries as of March 2025: 11.07 crore women
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) - Provides free delivery and neonatal services in government facilities. Total beneficiaries (since 2014–15): 16.60 crore
LaQshya Programme - Aims to improve the quality of care in labour rooms and maternal ICUs.
Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) - Guarantees respectful, dignified maternity care. Active SUMAN facilities (as of March 2025): 90,015
POSHAN Abhiyaan - Targets malnutrition in vulnerable women and children. Number of Poshan Pakhwadas conducted: 6.97 crore
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) - Provides a cash benefit of Rupees 5,000 to promote safe pregnancies and institutional births.
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