Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda Launches Nationwide Celebrations to Mark 10 Years of PMSMA – A Decade of Care
Key Points
The Union Health Minister, Shri J.P. Nadda, has launched nationwide celebrations to mark the 10-year milestone of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA), a flagship initiative for maternal health in India. This matters for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 2 (Governance, Health). Last Updated: 10-06-2026
Key Facts About PMSMA
- The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA) was launched on June 9, 2016.
- It provides free, comprehensive, specialist-led antenatal care on the 9th of every month at designated government health facilities.
- The initiative focuses on early risk detection and timely interventions for safer pregnancies.
- Since its inception, over 7.5 crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted, identifying nearly 1.2 crore high-risk pregnancies.
- India's Maternal Mortality Ratio decreased from 130 per lakh live births in 2014–2016 to 87 per lakh live births in 2022–2024.
- The Extended PMSMA, introduced in January 2022, tracks high-risk pregnancies for up to 45 days post-delivery.
India's Maternal Health Progress
The PMSMA plays a significant role in India's strategic goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes. The initiative aligns with India's economic and social objectives by reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. India has achieved an 86% decline in maternal mortality since 1990, surpassing the global average decline of 48%. Institutional deliveries have increased to 90.6%, and antenatal care coverage has reached 95.9%, reflecting substantial progress in maternal healthcare.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: Governance, Health, and Welfare Schemes
- Prelims: Questions could focus on the objectives and achievements of PMSMA, key statistics, and the role of ASHA workers.
- Mains: Analytical themes could include the impact of government health initiatives on maternal mortality and the role of public-private partnerships in healthcare.
- Essay Paper: Topics on healthcare reforms and maternal health improvements in India.
FAQ Section
- What is PMSMA? The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan is a government initiative providing free antenatal care to pregnant women, focusing on early risk detection and timely interventions.
- Why is PMSMA important? PMSMA is crucial for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates in India, offering specialist-led care and ensuring safer pregnancies.
- What are the key features of PMSMA? Key features include monthly antenatal check-ups on the 9th, identification of high-risk pregnancies, and the Extended PMSMA for post-delivery monitoring.
Detailed Coverage
- PMSMA was launched on June 9, 2016, to ensure safe pregnancies.
- Over 7.5 crore antenatal check-ups conducted, identifying 1.2 crore high-risk pregnancies.
- India achieved an 86% decline in maternal mortality since 1990.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio decreased from 130 to 87 per lakh live births.
- Under-Five Mortality Rate declined by 79% since 1990.
- Institutional deliveries increased to 90.6%.
- Antenatal care coverage reached 95.9%.
- 65.2% of women received at least four antenatal visits.
- First-trimester antenatal care registration improved to 76.2%.
- Extended PMSMA introduced in January 2022 for high-risk pregnancies.
- Various awareness initiatives organized nationally.
- Special commemorative coin and postal stamp unveiled.
- Shri Nadda emphasized the importance of antenatal care.
- ASHA workers play a crucial role in monitoring pregnant women.
- Government committed to providing quality care for all pregnant women.
- Celebration marks a decade of care and maternal health improvement.