Focus on maternal and newborn safety
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Improves Maternal Care: Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy, and that’s the simple idea behind the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA). It believes that if even one medical checkup is done by a doctor during pregnancy, it can help reduce the number of maternal and newborn deaths. The first 28 days after birth are extremely delicate. Deaths during this time are known as neonatal deaths, and PMSMA aims to bring those numbers down.
What PMSMA offers?
The scheme was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). Its purpose is to give free, quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women in the country. The focus is especially on women in their second and third trimesters.
Under PMSMA, women can visit a government health facility on the 9th of every month to get checked by medical specialists like OBGY doctors, radiologists, and even private physicians who volunteer their services. The care includes one free ultrasound, necessary blood and urine tests, and free supply of Iron-Folic Acid and calcium tablets.
Tracking and helping high-risk pregnancies
A unique part of this program is how it identifies risky pregnancies. A green sticker is given to those with no complications, while a red sticker marks high-risk pregnancies. This allows healthcare workers to give extra attention where it’s needed most.
Women who have never registered for ANC, have dropped out, or missed earlier checkups are also encouraged to participate. The system ensures that no one is left out, especially those in remote or underserved areas.
PMSMA’s role with other schemes
PMSMA works hand-in-hand with other government schemes like:
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which gives financial help to encourage institutional deliveries
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which offers maternity benefits
- POSHAN Abhiyaan, which promotes better nutrition for mothers and children
Positive outcomes over the years
Thanks to efforts like PMSMA, India has seen a sharp decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). Between 2014-16 and 2021-23, MMR dropped from 130 to 80 per lakh live births, a significant improvement. So far, over 6 crore pregnant women have benefitted from PMSMA services across the country.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Improves Maternal Care:
| Topic | Details |
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) |
| Launched Year | 2016 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Frequency of Check-ups | 9th of every month |
| Main Services | ANC, ultrasound, free medicines |
| Risk Identification Method | Green sticker (no risk), Red sticker (high risk) |
| Associated Schemes | JSY, PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan |
| Decline in MMR | From 130 to 80 per lakh live births (2014–2023) |
| Total Beneficiaries | Over 6 crore women |
