Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Marks 9 Years of Supporting Maternal Health With Improved Outcomes

This article highlights PMSMA’s 9‑year journey with a focus on antenatal care, high‑risk pregnancy and maternal health.

What is PMSMA? 

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) began in June 2016. The aim was to offer free antenatal care to all expectant mothers, especially during the second and third trimesters. It takes place on the ninth of every month and targets early detection and management of high‑risk pregnancies, reducing both maternal and neonatal mortality. 

Key Goals and How They Are Pursued

PMSMA ensures every pregnant woman sees a doctor at least once in the later stages of pregnancy. Quality antenatal visits are emphasised. High‑risk pregnancies are identified early and managed appropriately. The programme also caters to nutritional needs. Follow‑ups and care planning for potential complications form essential parts of the strategy.

Structure and Extent of Coverage

As of June 2025, PMSMA has examined an estimated 6.19 crore pregnant women through public health centres. Over 6,813 private practitioners have volunteered. Services are available in 20,752 health facilities across India. 

Key Features of PMSMA

• Conducted on the 9th of every month across India
• Offers free antenatal check-ups in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
• Services provided by OBGY specialists, radiologists, and physicians
• Active involvement of private sector doctors through voluntary participation
• Includes a minimum investigation package with ultrasound, IFA and calcium supplements
• Follows a single-window system for all diagnostic services
• Special focus on unregistered, dropout, and high-risk pregnancy cases
• Distribution of Mother and Child Protection Cards and safe motherhood booklets
• Green sticker for no-risk cases and red sticker for high-risk pregnancies

Introduction of Extended PMSMA

In January 2022, Extended PMSMA (E‑PMSMA) was launched. It provides name‑based tracking of high‑risk pregnancies with extra antenatal sessions—up to four per month—and extends care until 45 days after delivery. SMS alerts inform mothers and ASHAs promptly. By the end of December 2024, more than 78.27 lakh high‑risk pregnancies had been registered under this initiative. 

Results and Improvements in Maternal Health

The introduction of PMSMA has aligned well with several national health missions. Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and others like LaQshya and SUMAN now support the same goal. Cash and nutritional incentives linked to institutional deliveries and improved labour room quality have further strengthened outcomes. 

Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio

India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) fell from 130 per lakh live births (2014–16) to 80 per lakh (2021–23), representing a reduction of 50 points since the beginning of PMSMA. 

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Integration with Broader Maternal‑Child Initiatives

PMSMA forms a key component of the National Health Mission’s reproductive and maternal health strategy. It works alongside Poshan Abhiyaan, PM Matru Vandana Yojana and other nutritional programmes to ensure pregnant women receive holistic care across antenatal to postnatal stages. 

Conclusion

Over 9 years, PMSMA has built a robust framework for free antenatal care, timely identification of complications and better maternal outcomes. By partnering with private providers, extending digital tracking, and synchronising with national schemes, it has contributed to India’s remarkable decline in MMR. Continued focus and monitoring will be essential to sustain and deepen these public health gains.

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