PRADHAN MANTRI SURAKSHIT MATRITVA ABHIYAAN (PMSMA)

A Decade of Inclusive Maternal Healthcare Delivery (2016–2026)

Why in Focus?

The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA) has completed a decade of strengthening maternal healthcare services across India. The initiative has significantly improved antenatal care coverage, facilitated early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and contributed to a substantial decline in India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).

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What is PMSMA?

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in June 2016.

The programme aims to provide assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care (ANC) services to all pregnant women free of cost.

Special ANC clinics are organized on the 9th day of every month at government health facilities across the country.

The scheme follows the principle of “Every Pregnant Woman Must Receive At Least One Specialist Antenatal Check-up During the Second or Third Trimester.”

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Objectives of PMSMA

Ensure Universal Antenatal Care

Provide quality healthcare services to every pregnant woman irrespective of socio-economic background.

Identify High-Risk Pregnancies

Early detection of complications helps reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

Improve Institutional Deliveries

Encourage safe deliveries under trained medical supervision.

Reduce Maternal & Infant Mortality

Contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.1 of reducing maternal mortality.

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Key Achievements (2016–2026)

Massive Coverage

More than 7.50 crore pregnant women have received antenatal care under PMSMA.

Nationwide Reach

Services are available through thousands of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals, and Medical Colleges.

High-Risk Pregnancy Identification

Pregnant women are screened for 25 major risk factors, including:

• Severe Anaemia
• Hypertension
• Gestational Diabetes
• Thyroid Disorders
• Multiple Pregnancy
• Previous Caesarean Delivery
• Malnutrition
• Advanced Maternal Age
• Heart Disease

Decline in Maternal Mortality

India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined from:

130 deaths per lakh live births (2014–16) ➝ 87 deaths per lakh live births (2022–24)

This reflects major improvements in maternal healthcare access and institutional delivery systems.

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Extended PMSMA (Launched in 2022)

To strengthen follow-up care, the government launched Extended PMSMA (e-PMSMA).

Key Features

Continuous monitoring of identified high-risk pregnancies.

Monthly follow-up until delivery.

Improved referral linkage with higher healthcare facilities.

Digital tracking and monitoring mechanisms.

Better coordination between ASHA workers, ANMs, and healthcare specialists.

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Services Provided Under PMSMA

Free Antenatal Check-ups

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Weight Assessment

Blood Sugar Testing

Haemoglobin Testing

Ultrasound (where available)

Nutritional Counselling

Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation

Tetanus Vaccination

Birth Preparedness Counselling

Identification and Management of Risk Factors

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Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

PMSMA directly contributes to:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Targets:

Reduction in maternal mortality.

Reduction in neonatal mortality.

Universal access to reproductive healthcare services.

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PMSMA and Women’s Empowerment

The programme promotes:

Safe motherhood

Improved maternal nutrition

Better neonatal outcomes

Gender-sensitive healthcare delivery

Reduced healthcare inequality in rural and underserved regions

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UPSC Prelims Pointers

Launch Year: 2016

Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Beneficiaries: All pregnant women

Special ANC Day: 9th of every month

Extended PMSMA Launch: 2022

Focus: Early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies

Related SDG: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being)

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UPSC Mains Value Addition

“Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan exemplifies India’s shift from merely increasing healthcare access to ensuring quality maternal healthcare through risk-based monitoring, specialist interventions, and continuity of care, thereby advancing the goals of inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery.

UPSC Prelims MCQ 1

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA):

1. It was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2016.
2. Free antenatal check-ups are provided on the 9th day of every month at government health facilities.
3. The scheme is exclusively meant for women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: PMSMA was launched in June 2016.
• Statement 2 is correct: Special ANC clinics are held on the 9th of every month.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme is for all pregnant women, not only BPL beneficiaries.

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UPSC Prelims MCQ 2

Q2. With reference to the Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (e-PMSMA), consider the following statements:

1. It was launched in 2022.
2. It focuses on continuous monitoring of identified high-risk pregnancies until delivery.
3. It aims to provide post-retirement healthcare benefits to ASHA workers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Extended PMSMA was launched in 2022.
• Statement 2 is correct: It ensures tracking, monitoring, and follow-up of high-risk pregnancies until delivery.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: It has no connection with post-retirement benefits for ASHA workers.

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