Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Source: DD News

Context: The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) marks 9 impactful years in improving maternal health outcomes across India.

About Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA):

• What is PMSMA?

• PMSMA is a flagship maternal health programme of the Government of India. Launched in June 2016 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, it provides free and quality antenatal care (ANC) to pregnant women on the 9th of every month.

• PMSMA is a flagship maternal health programme of the Government of India.

• Launched in June 2016 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, it provides free and quality antenatal care (ANC) to pregnant women on the 9th of every month.

• Objectives of PMSMA:

• Ensure at least one ANC check-up in the 2nd or 3rd trimester by a trained specialist. Promote early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies (HRPs). Improve quality of care through diagnostics, counselling, and risk stratification. Identify and track HRPs through a name-based monitoring system. Raise awareness and mobilize private sector participation to supplement public services.

• Ensure at least one ANC check-up in the 2nd or 3rd trimester by a trained specialist.

• Promote early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies (HRPs).

• Improve quality of care through diagnostics, counselling, and risk stratification.

• Identify and track HRPs through a name-based monitoring system.

• Raise awareness and mobilize private sector participation to supplement public services.

• Key Features of PMSMA:

• Fixed ANC Days: Pregnant women receive a standard package of ANC services every 9th of the month at government health facilities. Specialist-Driven: Services provided by OB-GYNs, radiologists, and physicians, including private doctors volunteering in public hospitals. Single Window Service: Provides investigations (e.g., ultrasound), IFA/calcium supplements, and counselling in one visit. Risk Tagging: Use of green stickers (no risk) and red stickers (HRP) on MCP cards to classify pregnancies. Digital Monitoring: Operates through a national portal and mobile app, ensuring transparency and follow-up.

• Fixed ANC Days: Pregnant women receive a standard package of ANC services every 9th of the month at government health facilities.

• Specialist-Driven: Services provided by OB-GYNs, radiologists, and physicians, including private doctors volunteering in public hospitals.

• Single Window Service: Provides investigations (e.g., ultrasound), IFA/calcium supplements, and counselling in one visit.

• Risk Tagging: Use of green stickers (no risk) and red stickers (HRP) on MCP cards to classify pregnancies.

• Digital Monitoring: Operates through a national portal and mobile app, ensuring transparency and follow-up.

• About Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (e-PMSMA):

• Launched in: January 2022, the initiative strengthens maternal health surveillance by ensuring continuous monitoring of high-risk pregnancies up to 45 days after delivery.

• Features:

• It enables a digital follow-up mechanism through automated SMS alerts sent to both pregnant women and ASHAs for timely check-ups. Financial incentives are provided to pregnant women and ASHAs who successfully complete three additional antenatal care visits beyond the standard coverage. The programme allows up to four antenatal care sessions per month in vulnerable or underserved areas to ensure better coverage and timely intervention.

• It enables a digital follow-up mechanism through automated SMS alerts sent to both pregnant women and ASHAs for timely check-ups.

• Financial incentives are provided to pregnant women and ASHAs who successfully complete three additional antenatal care visits beyond the standard coverage.

• The programme allows up to four antenatal care sessions per month in vulnerable or underserved areas to ensure better coverage and timely intervention.