Reference:

• The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It completed 9 years in June 2025.

Key Points:

• This campaign is conducted on the 9th of every month to provide free and assured antenatal care (ANC) to pregnant women. Thus, June 9, 2016, is considered the first day of the campaign.
• A structured approach has been adopted to involve the private sector, which includes encouraging voluntary participation by private doctors, assisting in developing awareness strategies, and participating in various campaigns at government health facilities.

Objectives and Features of the Campaign:

• Expansion of Public Health Services: Under PMSMA, pregnant women are provided with free antenatal checkups, diagnostic tests, medicines, and counseling at government hospitals and health centers.
• Identification of High-Risk Pregnancies (HRP): Regular checkups during the campaign help identify HRP women for specialized care and tracking. Over 5.5 lakh women have been identified and referred to specialists by 2025.
• Reduction in Maternal and Neonatal Mortality: As a result of this initiative, India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014-16 to 80 in 2021-23. Neonatal mortality has also declined, improving maternal and child health.
• Involvement of Specialists: A wide range of healthcare providers, including obstetricians, radiologists, physicians, and private doctors, offer services under PMSMA.
• Coordination with NHM: PMSMA is aligned with the National Health Mission’s RMNCAH+N strategy (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health + Nutrition), ensuring holistic development of maternal and child health services.
• Incentives and Service Expansion: In 2022, an extended version of the campaign was launched focusing on enhanced reach through financial incentives, especially for HRP women.

PMSMA Objectives:

Aligned with the broader goals of NHM’s RMNCAH+N strategy, PMSMA aims to:

• Ensure at least one antenatal checkup by a physician/specialist during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• Improve the quality of care during antenatal checkups.
• Early identification and management of HRP.
• Ensure proper birth planning and preparation for complications.
• Manage malnutrition among pregnant women.
• Focus on adolescent and early pregnancies.

Achievements of the Campaign:

• Over 6.19 crore pregnant women have been examined so far, including 25 lakh in high-priority districts.
• More than 84 lakh hemoglobin tests, 55 lakh HIV tests, 41 lakh diabetes tests, 33 lakh syphilis tests, and 15 lakh ultrasounds have been conducted.
• The campaign has succeeded in delivering quality health services to pregnant women in remote regions.
• It has created a synergistic impact in coordination with other programs such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN), and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).

Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA):

• E-PMSMA, launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is an upgraded version of PMSMA. Its primary goal is to ensure safe deliveries for High-Risk Pregnant (HRP) women.

Key Features of E-PMSMA:

• Identification of HRP Women:

Under E-PMSMA, name-based line listing of pregnant women is conducted to identify HRP women. As of 31 December 2024, over 78.27 lakh HRP women have been identified.

• Additional ANC Sessions:

Unlike PMSMA which holds a fixed-day ANC checkup on the 9th of each month, E-PMSMA allows up to 4 additional ANC sessions per month for improved monitoring of HRP women.

• Personal Tracking and Follow-Up:

HRP women are personally tracked for 45 days post-delivery to ensure safe outcomes and prevent postpartum complications.

• Digital and Communication Systems:

Beneficiary women and ASHA workers receive SMS alerts for registration, follow-up visits, and important information to ensure care continuity and accountability.

• Financial Incentives:

Financial incentives are provided to HRP women and the ASHA workers assisting them to improve engagement and awareness.

Significance of PMSMA and E-PMSMA:

• Reduction in MMR:

India's MMR dropped significantly from 130 (2014-16) to 80 (2021-23) per 100,000 live births under PMSMA. E-PMSMA aims to accelerate this positive trend.

• Quality ANC:

PMSMA provides free ANC checkups, ultrasounds, medicines (e.g., Iron, Folic Acid), and counseling. E-PMSMA’s additional sessions enhance the reach and effectiveness of these services.

• Coordination with National Health Programs:

PMSMA and E-PMSMA operate in synergy with:

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Conditional cash transfer scheme promoting institutional deliveries. Over 11.07 crore women benefited as of March 2025.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): Promotes free institutional deliveries and neonatal care. Over 16.60 crore beneficiaries since 2014-15.
• LaQshya: Aims at improving quality of care in labour rooms.
• SUMAN: Ensures dignified and quality care for pregnant women. 90,015 SUMAN health facilities notified as of March 2025.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Targets children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers. Currently, 6.97 crore POSHAN Pakhwadas are being observed across India.
• PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Offers ₹5,000 as Direct Benefit Transfer to pregnant and lactating women to promote institutional deliveries and ensure maternal health.