The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a flagship program. This scheme was launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2016. Its primary goal is to provide assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women in India, especially during their second and third trimesters.
PMSMA ensures that pregnant women receive at least one checkup by a qualified physician on the 9th of every month at designated government health facilities. By identifying high-risk pregnancies early, the program aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, contributing significantly to India’s health development goals.
Why was PMSMA Launched?
India has historically faced challenges with maternal and infant health. High rates of maternal and neonatal deaths, malnutrition during pregnancy, and limited access to standardized antenatal care necessitated a universal and high-quality antenatal care program. PMSMA addresses these challenges by:
- Providing free, quality healthcare services.
- Targeting high-risk pregnancies with early identification and follow-ups.
- Complementing other initiatives such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and POSHAN Abhiyaan.
Who is Eligible for PMSMA Services?
PMSMA focuses on pregnant women in their second (13-28 weeks) and third trimester (29-40 weeks).
Eligibility criteria include:
- Must be an Indian citizen residing in India.
- Must be willing to visit designated government health facilities on the 9th of each month.
- Must have completed the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Special categories include high-risk pregnancies and women who have missed previous antenatal visits.
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What Services does PMSMA Provide?
PMSMA offers a comprehensive package of antenatal care services, including:
| Section | Details |
| 1. Medical Services | – Examinations by Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists, Radiologists, and Physicians. – Diagnostic tests including blood tests and one free ultrasound. – Provision of essential medicines such as Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) and calcium supplements. – Counselling services for nutrition, pregnancy care, and safe delivery practices. |
| 2. Identification of High-Risk Pregnancies | – Women with no risk factors receive a green sticker on their Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card. – Women with high-risk conditions (e.g., anemia, gestational diabetes, hypertension) receive a red sticker. – High-risk pregnancies are tracked and managed individually to ensure safe delivery. |
| 3. Fixed-Day Service | – Services are provided free of cost on the 9th of every month at government health facilities. – The single-window system ensures smooth service delivery, reducing waiting time and improving quality. |
| 4. Mobile & Web Support | – The PMSMA mobile application helps pregnant women locate nearby facilities. – SMS alerts are sent to beneficiaries and ASHA workers for follow-ups, especially for high-risk pregnancies. |
How does PMSMA Ensure Quality Care?
The program emphasizes high-quality care beyond basic checkups:
- Systematic engagement of private medical practitioners to volunteer at government facilities.
- Standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols to ensure consistent care.
- Counselling and documentation to track patient health and outcomes.
- Focus on adolescent pregnancies and women with malnutrition or co-morbid conditions.
What is the Role of High-Risk Pregnancy Tracking in PMSMA?
High-risk pregnancies are a critical component of PMSMA. The program ensures:
- Identification of high-risk women through medical history and current clinical conditions.
- Line-listing and follow-up till safe delivery and 45 days postpartum under the Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA).
- Personalized birth planning and complication readiness for each woman.
- Additional PMSMA sessions (up to four per month) for women with identified risks.
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How does PMSMA Complement Other Maternal Health Programs?
PMSMA works in tandem with other government programs to improve maternal and infant health outcomes:
| Program | Role |
| Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) | Provides cash incentives for institutional deliveries. |
| Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) | Supports nutrition and maternity benefits. |
| POSHAN Abhiyaan | Focuses on nutrition and anemia prevention for women and children. |
What are the Key Achievements of Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)?
Since its launch, PMSMA has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 130 per lakh live births (2014-16) to 80 per lakh live births (2021-23).
- Over 6 crore pregnant women have been examined under the program.
- Successful tracking of high-risk pregnancies through E-PMSMA.
- Increased private sector participation in providing antenatal care.
- Awareness and accessibility of maternal healthcare improved across urban and rural India.
What is Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA)?
Launched in 2022, Extended PMSMA enhances tracking and care of High-Risk Pregnant (HRP) women. Key features include:
- Additional sessions per month (up to 4) for HRP women.
- Individual tracking until safe delivery and 45 days postpartum.
- SMS alerts for beneficiaries and ASHA workers.
- Focus on follow-up care, ensuring no high-risk pregnancy goes unattended.
How is PMSMA Implemented across India?
Implementation is coordinated through the National Health Mission (NHM) at state and district levels. Key components include:
- Designated government health facilities: PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, urban health centers.
- Online and offline registration for pregnant women.
- Regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure quality care.
- Collaboration with private doctors and specialists to supplement public services.
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How can Pregnant Women Benefit from PMSMA?
Pregnant women attending PMSMA services can access:
- Free and comprehensive antenatal care.
- Early detection and management of complications.
- Nutritional support through Iron-Folic Acid and calcium supplements.
- Professional guidance for safe delivery and newborn care.
- Assurance of follow-up visits for high-risk conditions.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Objective | Universal, quality, free antenatal care for pregnant women |
| Eligibility | Pregnant women in 2nd and 3rd trimester |
| Service Day | 9th of every month |
| High-Risk Pregnancy Identification | Green sticker (no risk), Red sticker (high risk) |
| Services Provided | Examinations, diagnostic tests, medicines, counselling |
| Extended PMSMA | Additional sessions, HRP tracking till 45 days postpartum |
| Achievements | MMR reduced, 6 crore women examined, high-risk pregnancies tracked |
| Integration | Works with JSY, PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan |
| Coverage | Urban and rural government health facilities across India |
Questions Based on Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
1. When was PMSMA launched?
a) 2014
b) 2015
c) 2016
d) 2017
e) 2018
2. On which day of the month is PMSMA service provided?
a) 1st
b) 5th
c) 9th
d) 15th
e) 20th
3. Who provides the medical services under PMSMA?
a) Only nurses
b) OBGY specialists, Radiologists, and Physicians
c) General volunteers
d) Only private doctors
e) Pharmacists
4. What color sticker indicates a high-risk pregnancy?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Red
d) Yellow
e) Orange
5. Which trimester is eligible for PMSMA checkup?
a) 1st only
b) 2nd and 3rd
c) 3rd only
d) All trimesters
e) None
6. What is E-PMSMA?
a) Early Pregnancy Management
b) Extended PMSMA
c) Emergency PMSMA
d) Electronic PMSMA
e) Essential PMSMA
7. How many additional sessions can be provided for high-risk pregnancies under E-PMSMA?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
e) 5
8. PMSMA complements which government programs?
a) JSY, PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan
b) Ayushman Bharat only
c) Swachh Bharat Mission
d) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
e) None
9. How is PMSMA funded for pregnant women?
a) Fully free
b) Partially free
c) Subsidized only
d) Self-funded
e) Insurance-based
10. What is the main goal of PMSMA?
a) Reduce maternal and neonatal deaths
b) Promote hospital construction
c) Train nurses
d) Provide insurance to women
e) Increase vaccination coverage
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Answer Key
| Question Number | Correct Answer |
| 1 | c) 2016 |
| 2 | c) 9th |
| 3 | b) OBGY specialists, Radiologists, and Physicians |
| 4 | c) Red |
| 5 | b) 2nd and 3rd |
| 6 | b) Extended PMSMA |
| 7 | d) 4 |
| 8 | a) JSY, PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan |
| 9 | a) Fully free |
| 10 | a) Reduce maternal and neonatal deaths |
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