Overview of PMSMA
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched on 9th June 2016 with the objective of ensuring safe pregnancy and healthy motherhood.
Key Features of PMSMA
- Provides free, comprehensive, specialist-led antenatal care
- Services offered on the 9th of every month at designated government health facilities
- Focuses particularly on second and third trimesters
- Ensures early risk detection and timely interventions
- Aims for safer pregnancies through quality healthcare access
Extended PMSMA (Launched January 2022)
- Strengthens follow-up care for High-Risk Pregnancies (HRPs)
- High-risk pregnancies are line-listed and individually tracked
- Monitoring continues up to 45 days post-delivery
- SMS alerts for timely updates
- Additional support from ASHA workers
Major Achievements
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Antenatal Check-ups | Over 7.5 crore conducted |
| High-Risk Pregnancies Identified | Nearly 1.2 crore |
Maternal Mortality Progress
- 86% decline in maternal mortality since 1990
- Global average decline: 48%
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) improvement:
- 2014-16: 130 per lakh live births
- 2022-24: 87 per lakh live births (as per SRS data)
Child Health Gains
- 79% decline in Under-Five Mortality Rate (global decline: 61%)
- 70% decline in neonatal mortality between 1990 and 2024
National Family Health Survey (NFHS) Indicators
- Institutional deliveries: 90.6%
- Antenatal care coverage: 95.9%
- Women receiving at least 4 ANC visits: 65.2%
- First-trimester ANC registration: 76.2%
Significance for India's Health Sector
- Universal Healthcare Access: Ensures free specialist care reaches pregnant women in government facilities
- Focus on High-Risk Cases: Extended PMSMA provides targeted monitoring for vulnerable mothers
- Digital Integration: SMS alerts and tracking systems demonstrate tech-enabled healthcare
- Community Health Workers: ASHA workers play crucial role in follow-up care
- Achievement of SDG Targets: Progress aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
Constitutional and Policy Framework
- Article 47 (Directive Principle of State Policy): Duty to raise nutrition and standard of living
- National Health Mission (NHM): PMSMA operates under the broader NHM framework
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Complementary scheme promoting institutional deliveries
- Progressive improvement towards Universal Health Coverage goals
Theme for 10-Year Celebrations
The Union Health Minister launched celebrations under the theme "10 Years of PMSMA – A Decade of Care" marking this significant milestone in India's maternal health journey.