Why in news?
On 9 June 2026 the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised events to mark the tenth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan. The programme, launched on 9 June 2016, offers free antenatal care on the 9th of every month and has significantly improved maternal health outcomes across India.
Background
PMSMA was introduced to ensure that all pregnant women, particularly those from vulnerable communities, receive quality antenatal services regardless of their socio‑economic status. Under the scheme public health facilities and empanelled private doctors provide comprehensive check‑ups, identify high‑risk pregnancies and counsel expectant mothers. Over the years volunteers from the private sector have augmented government efforts, making antenatal care more accessible.
Achievements and key features
- Free antenatal care: Health facilities across the country observe the 9th of each month as “Surakshit Matritva Day”, offering examinations, laboratory tests, iron–folic acid supplementation and nutrition counselling free of cost.
- High‑risk pregnancy identification: The programme places emphasis on early detection of conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes and anaemia. Women classified as high risk are referred to higher‑level facilities for specialised care.
- Community participation: Private obstetricians and medical societies volunteer their services, while community health workers mobilise women to attend the clinics. The integration of e‑PMSMA allows digital tracking of beneficiaries and streamlines follow‑up.
- Impact: By June 2026 more than 6 crore antenatal check‑ups had been conducted under PMSMA, and around one million high‑risk pregnancies were identified and managed. India’s maternal mortality ratio has fallen from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014‑16 to 80 in 2021‑23, with the programme cited as a contributing factor.
Significance
Ensuring safe pregnancies and deliveries is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 on maternal health. PMSMA demonstrates how consistent monthly outreach, early risk detection and partnership with private doctors can reduce maternal deaths. Its success has prompted calls for similar models in postnatal and newborn care.
Conclusion
After ten years, PMSMA has become an integral part of India’s public health system. Sustained funding, digital monitoring and continued community engagement will be crucial to maintain and expand its gains, especially in remote areas.
Source: NOA