Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Pregnancy requires regular health check-ups so that the mother and baby can receive timely care throughout the pregnancy. However, access to specialist antenatal care and important diagnostic services can be difficult for some women, particularly in areas where specialist doctors or diagnostic facilities are limited. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) addresses this need by providing free, assured and comprehensive antenatal care to pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. The programme is organised on the 9th of every month at designated government health facilities and includes medical examination, applicable investigations, ultrasound as part of the prescribed service package, medicines and supplements, counselling, and screening for high-risk pregnancy. For women identified as high-risk, the Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA) provides additional follow-up and individual tracking to support timely referral and safe delivery.

PMSMA was launched on 9 June 2016 by the Government of India and is implemented through the public health system under the National Health Mission (NHM). The programme is led by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), with implementation involving State and District health authorities and designated public health facilities. The programme also encourages participation from private and retired doctors, including obstetricians and gynaecologists, radiologists and physicians, who can voluntarily provide services at government facilities. The fixed-day model helps health authorities arrange specialist services and gives pregnant women a predictable date for accessing antenatal care.

PMSMA focuses on finding high-risk pregnancies early. Women with conditions such as severe anaemia, hypertension, gestational diabetes, HIV, syphilis, TB, malaria, multiple pregnancy, previous LSCS or teenage pregnancy may be identified as high-risk. The Government expanded the categories from 10 to 25 in 2024. A red sticker on the MCP Card helps identify high-risk pregnancies for closer follow-up.

Under Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA), launched in January 2022, identified high-risk pregnant women can receive up to 3 additional ANC visits, individual tracking, SMS alerts and referral to the nearest First Referral Unit (FRU). Eligible women may also receive ₹100 per follow-up visit for up to 3 visits towards transportation, as per programme provisions. ASHAs may receive specified incentives for mobilisation and verified healthy outcomes.

There is no separate online application for PMSMA. Pregnant women can contact their ASHA, ANM or local government health facility to find a designated PMSMA centre and visit it on the 9th of the month. If the 9th is a Sunday or holiday, services are generally held on the next working day. Carry the MCP Card and previous medical reports, if available. The official PMSMA portal can also be used to find designated health facilities.

For programme-related assistance, women can contact their local ASHA or ANM or call the PMSMA toll-free number at 1800-180-1104.

Readers looking for financial maternity support may also find the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) useful, as it provides conditional maternity benefits to eligible women. For support linked with institutional delivery, readers can also explore the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). These programmes serve different purposes and can complement the maternal healthcare support available through PMSMA.

Scheme Benefits

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) focuses on timely antenatal care, early detection of pregnancy risks and proper follow-up. The key benefits include:

• Free and assured antenatal check-ups for women in the second and third trimesters, generally on the 9th of every month.
• Medical examination by a Medical Officer or specialist to assess the health of the mother and baby.
• Important antenatal tests such as haemoglobin, urine, blood sugar, blood group, and screening for HIV, syphilis and malaria, as applicable.
• Ultrasound as prescribed under the PMSMA service package, including at least one second-trimester ultrasound under programme arrangements.
• Essential medicines and supplements, including iron-folic acid and calcium, as prescribed and available.
• Early identification of high-risk pregnancies, including severe anaemia, hypertension, gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancy and other medical or obstetric risks.
• Colour-coded stickers on the MCP Card to identify high-risk pregnancies and support closer monitoring.
• Counselling on nutrition, birth preparedness, danger signs, institutional delivery, breastfeeding and family planning.
• Referral of high-risk pregnancies to appropriate facilities, including the nearest First Referral Unit (FRU), when required.
• Under E-PMSMA, identified high-risk pregnant women can receive up to 3 additional follow-up visits with individual tracking and SMS-based follow-up.
• Eligible women may receive ₹100 per additional follow-up visit towards transportation costs, for up to 3 visits, subject to programme provisions.
• High-risk pregnancies continue to be tracked through delivery and up to 45 days after delivery under E-PMSMA.

How Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)Works

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) makes quality antenatal care available to pregnant women at designated government health facilities. The programme follows a fixed monthly schedule, allowing women to receive a planned check-up, necessary tests and medical guidance during pregnancy.

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan services are generally conducted on the 9th of every month at designated government health facilities.
• Pregnant women in the second or third trimester can visit the designated PMSMA facility for their antenatal check-up.
• Doctors and other healthcare staff assess the woman's health and pregnancy and recommend the required examinations and tests.
• The check-up may include blood pressure, weight, abdominal examination, fetal heart rate assessment and applicable laboratory tests.
• Prescribed medicines and supplements, such as iron-folic acid and calcium, are provided according to the woman's needs and programme provisions.
• Women receive guidance on nutrition, birth preparedness, pregnancy danger signs and other important aspects of maternal and newborn care.
• If a high-risk condition or other health concern is identified, the healthcare team provides appropriate advice and treatment or refers the woman to a suitable facility for further care.

This approach helps ensure that important health concerns are identified during pregnancy and that women receive timely care or referral when additional medical attention is needed.

Eligibility Requirements

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is designed to make quality antenatal care easier to access during pregnancy. The eligibility requirements are simple, and pregnant women can use the services at designated government health facilities on the scheduled PMSMA day.

• The applicant should be a pregnant woman in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• She should visit a designated government health facility providing PMSMA services.
• The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan check-up is generally provided on the 9th of every month.
• If the 9th falls on a Sunday or public holiday, the PMSMA session is held on the next working day, as per programme arrangements.
• Women who have missed routine antenatal care or have not completed their recommended check-ups can also be reached through Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
• Pregnant women identified as having a high-risk pregnancy can receive additional follow-up under Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA).
• There is no separate online application process for pregnant women to access Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan services.

Women should preferably carry their Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card and previous medical or ultrasound reports, if available. These help healthcare staff review the pregnancy history and plan appropriate care.

Required Documents

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan does not require a separate application form for pregnant women. However, carrying your pregnancy-related records can help the healthcare team understand your medical history and provide appropriate antenatal care.

• Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card, if already issued.
• Previous antenatal check-up records, if available.
• Previous blood or urine test reports, if available.
• Previous ultrasound or other medical reports, if available.
• Details of any medicines currently being taken, if applicable.

No separate document should be presented as a mandatory Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan eligibility requirement unless the designated health facility specifically asks for it. If you do not have previous records, contact the ASHA, ANM or health facility for guidance.

Steps to Apply

PMSMA does not have a separate online application form for pregnant women. The service can be accessed by visiting a designated PMSMA health facility on the scheduled day. The process is simple and is mainly coordinated through the local ASHA, ANM or government health facility.

• First, contact your local ASHA, ANM or government health worker and ask about the nearest health facility providing Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan services.
• Confirm the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan clinic date. Services are normally organised on the 9th of every month. If the 9th is a Sunday or holiday, the session is held on the next working day, according to local arrangements.
• Visit the designated PMSMA facility on the scheduled day with your Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card and any previous pregnancy, test or ultrasound reports that you have.
• Complete the registration process at the facility. The healthcare team will record the required pregnancy and medical details.
• Undergo the prescribed antenatal examination and applicable tests. The services can include blood and urine investigations, blood pressure and weight checks, fetal assessment and ultrasound as provided under the PMSMA service package.
• Meet the Medical Officer or specialist for an assessment of your pregnancy and discuss any health concerns or previous medical reports.
• If a high-risk condition is identified, the healthcare team will mark the MCP Card accordingly and explain the required treatment, referral and follow-up plan.
• If you are identified as having a high-risk pregnancy, you may be enrolled for additional follow-up under Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA), including up to three additional antenatal visits and individual tracking.
• For future PMSMA visits, continue following the schedule advised by the healthcare team and attend the referred facility when specialist treatment or delivery planning is required.

Women who are unsure where PMSMA services are available can use the official PMSMA portal to look for designated facilities or ask their ASHA or ANM for assistance. There is no need to create an online account or submit an online application simply to receive PMSMA antenatal care.

For programme-related assistance, the PMSMA portal also lists the toll-free number 1800-180-1104.

How Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan vs Regular Antenatal Care

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is not a replacement for routine antenatal care. It adds an assured service opportunity within the public health system, with a particular focus on examination, screening and identification of high-risk pregnancies.

Relevant Links

• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) – Official Website
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) – Official Portal
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan – Official Resources and Guidelines
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Operational Framework
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan – Nearest Health Facility

Contact Information

For information or issues related to the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan programme, the official PMSMA portal provides the following contact details for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)

• Phone: 18001801104 (PMSMA Toll-Free Helpline)
• Email: [email protected]
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan – Official Contact Page