Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Scheme

The Government of India (GoI) introduced Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) to improve Antenatal care and maternal services on the 9^th of each month. Beneficiaries need to visit the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Clinic to receive free checkups during the 2^nd and 3^rd pregnancy trimester. In case the 9^th day of a month coincides with a holiday, the beneficiaries need to be present on the next working day.

Overview

India is on the route in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, and one of the schemes by the government targets maternal mortality. Maternal health care providers are available in India, but the amount of institutional deliveries still stands at 78.7%. Only 61.8% of women receive the first phase of the Antenatal care (ANC) package, and as low as 19.7% of women receive the full set of injections and tablets.

Hence, GoI has taken effective measures to bring down the maternity-related deaths through the implementation of quality Antenatal care package. The quality of the coverage will be improved by Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A). With the implementation of PMSMA and ANCs offered every month in all states, increased health care can be assured. The ANCs are in addition to the health facilities that are needed pre and post-pregnancy.

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Healthcare Benefits of PMSMA

Free checkups include blood pressure tests, abdominal pressure tests ahead of ANC check-ups.
If specific healthcare benefits are needed, they need to be provided at no cost. The healthcare centres issue slips for free tests in case testing facilities are not available at that centre.
Free investigation, sample collection and transfer to appropriate centres. The healthcare providers are responsible for collecting samples and delivering the results to the women under the PMSMA scheme.
Free examination by medical officers after examination by ANM / Staff Nurse.
High-risk pregnancies are transferred to higher facilities. If higher facilities are available at a different healthcare centre, it is the responsibility of the healthcare providers to facilitate transfer for all beneficiaries. A referral slip with the probable diagnosis has to be provided before transfer.
High-risk women are treated by Specialists (OBGY/CemOC/BEmOC).
At least one ultrasound for all pregnant women during the 2^nd and 3^rd pregnancy trimester if needed.
USG services made available through a PPP model. Priority for women from lower-income groups. All expenditure needs to be booked under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK), and the services are completely free.
Post-assessment counselling.
Family-planning.

Identifying Facilities

Rural Areas

Community Health Centers, Sub-District Hospital, Medical College Hospital, District Hospital, Rural Hospital, Primary Health Centers.

Urban Areas

Maternity Homes, Urban Health Posts, Urban Dispensaries.

After registration, all beneficiaries receive access to a free health checkup and lab investigations. The checkup will be conducted by a medical officer or an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN). The tests are meant to identify high-risk individuals who are suffering from infections, hypertension, anaemia, diabetes or other health complications.
Beneficiaries are offered additional tests for free if further investigation is needed. These tests may include USG, Hb, Urine, Albumin, RBS, Malaria test, VDRL, blood group test, CBC, ESR.

Counselling Services

In addition to healthcare benefits, there are counselling services for women pre and post-pregnancy. Here are the issues discussed by counsellors under the scheme:

Danger signs during pregnancy
Family planning
Birth preparedness
Institutional delivery
Rest
Safe Sex
Referral Transport
Benefits under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Benefits under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Post-natal care
Complementary Feeding
Breastfeeding

Abortion Services

Women with unwanted pregnancies are offered free abortion care services and counselling.

Ambulance Services

Ambulance services are offered only to high-risk individuals.

Eligibility

Pregnant women in the 2^nd and 3^rd pregnancy trimesters.
The sticker allotted via MCP cards denote benefits available under the scheme.
Should have Indian nationality

Types of Stickers from PMSMA

Green Sticker: No risk factor. Basic services, PMSMA and ANC.

Red Sticker: High-risk pregnancy. Additional services, PMSMA and ANC.

Blue Sticker: Pregnancy-induced hypertension. Intensive care and ANC.

Yellow Sticker: Pregnancy with co-morbid conditions. Intensive care, healthcare benefits and ANC.

Application Process

All beneficiaries are required to register with PMSMA. The individual can register at government hospitals, health centre or any accredited private hospitals.