Introduction
India has made tremendous strides in improving maternal health over the past few decades. One of the landmark initiatives in this journey is the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
This unique program aims to provide free, assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women across the country—on the 9th day of every month.
Overview of PMSMA
The PMSMA was launched with the vision to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by ensuring that every pregnant woman in her 2nd or 3rd trimester receives at least one antenatal check-up by a physician or specialist. The initiative was first announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Mann Ki Baat radio address on July 31, 2016.
Goal of PMSMA
To improve the quality and reach of antenatal care in India through assured diagnostic, counselling, and referral services, as part of the broader Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) strategy.
Objectives of the Program
- Ensure at least one ANC check-up by a doctor for pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester.
- Improve quality of care during pregnancy through:
- Diagnostic services
- Clinical screenings
- Management of conditions like anemia, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Counselling and documentation of services
- Provide extra care to missed-out or dropout ANC cases.
- Identify and line-list High-Risk Pregnancies (HRPs).
- Plan for safe delivery, especially for women with comorbid conditions.
- Special care for adolescents and early pregnancies.
- Focus on malnutrition detection and management in expectant mothers.
Key Features of PMSMA
1. Dedicated ANC Day: 9th of Every Month
All pregnant women can access comprehensive checkups on the 9th of each month at designated government health facilities.
2. Comprehensive ANC Package
Services include:
- Clinical examination by OBGY specialists, radiologists, or physicians.
- Diagnostic tests and ultrasounds (especially during the 2nd trimester).
- Distribution of Iron-Folic Acid (IFA), calcium supplements, and other medicines.
- Birth planning and referral services.
3. Public-Private Partnership
Private doctors are encouraged to volunteer at government facilities to bridge the gap in availability of specialists.
4. Inclusion of Missed Cases
Efforts are made to bring in:
- Women who have never registered for ANC.
- Those who registered but did not continue ANC visits.
- High-Risk Pregnant Women (HRP).
5. Risk Classification with Stickers
- Green Sticker: No risk factors
- Red Sticker: High-risk pregnancy (HRP)
These are marked on the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card for easy identification and follow-up.
6. Awareness & Recognition
- Awareness campaigns under the “IPledgeFor9” initiative.
- Annual Achievers Awards to recognize outstanding volunteers and healthcare workers.
e-PMSMA: Digitizing Maternal Health Monitoring
Launched in January 2022, e-PMSMA is an enhanced digital version for better tracking of HRPs.
Features of e-PMSMA
- Name-based line listing of HRPs.
- Up to 4 PMSMA sessions in a month.
- Individual tracking of high-risk cases till the 45th day post-delivery.
- SMS alerts to pregnant women and ASHAs for appointments and follow-ups.
Why PMSMA is Critical?
India’s Progress in Maternal Health:
| Year | MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) per 1,00,000 Live Births |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 556 |
| 2018–2020 | 97 |
| Decline | 83% (compared to 45% global average) |
Yet, every year:
- ~24,000 women die due to pregnancy-related causes (MMEIG 2020).
- ~5.4 lakh infants die within the first 28 days (SRS 2020).
Many of these deaths are preventable through early diagnosis and quality antenatal care.
Budgetary Provisions under PMSMA & e-PMSMA
Under National Health Mission (NHM) / RCH Funds:
- Transport support for pregnant women from remote areas (via JSSK).
- Ultrasound services through Free Diagnostics Initiative / JSSK.
- Districts can get ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000/year for awareness, training, IEC campaigns.
- States can get ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs/year for sensitization and training.
Incentives for ASHAs and Beneficiaries
For ASHAs:
| Action | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| Mobilizing HRP for ANC visits (up to 3 times) | ₹100 per visit |
| Healthy outcome at 45 days post-delivery | ₹500 per HRP |
For Pregnant Women (HRPs):
| Action | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| Transport cost for ANC follow-ups (up to 3 visits) | ₹100 per visit |
Documentation & Counselling Support
All women attending PMSMA clinics are provided with:
- Mother and Child Protection Card
- Safe Motherhood Booklet
- Counselling on:
- Nutrition
- Birth preparedness
- Danger signs during pregnancy
- Family planning
Who Can Avail the Benefits of PMSMA?
- All pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester.
- Women who missed earlier ANC check-ups.
- Women identified with high-risk conditions.
- Adolescents and early pregnancies.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is a transformative initiative that brings together government systems, private healthcare professionals, and community workers to ensure that no mother dies while giving life. With a structured approach, digital integration through e-PMSMA, and strong community engagement, PMSMA stands as a pillar of India’s commitment to safe motherhood and healthy babies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the date of PMSMA every month?
PMSMA check-ups are organized on the 9th of every month at government health facilities.
Is PMSMA free of cost?
Yes. All services under PMSMA—including doctor consultation, diagnostics, medicines—are completely free.
Who conducts the check-ups?
Government doctors, supported by private voluntary OBGY specialists, radiologists, and physicians.
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP)?
A pregnancy with complications like anemia, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes that requires specialized monitoring and care.
How is a pregnant woman identified as HRP?
Through medical screening and past obstetric history. The MCP card is marked with a Red Sticker for HRPs.
