10-Jun-2025

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Miscellaneous

Why in News? 

The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) has completed nine successful years since its launch in 2016, playing a crucial role in improving maternal and neonatal health across India. 

About PMSMA 

  • Launched: In 2016 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). 
  • Objective: To provide free, assured, and quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. 
  • Premise: If every pregnant woman is examined by a physician at least once under PMSMA, it can help reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. 
  • Neonatal Death: Refers to the death of a baby within the first 28 days of life.

Key Achievements 

  • MMR Reduction: India's Maternal Mortality Ratio reduced from 130 (2014–16) to 80 per lakh live births (2021–23). 
  • Impact: Over 6 crore pregnant women have benefited from PMSMA services.

Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA) 

  • Launched: In 2022 
  • Purpose: To ensure continuous monitoring and follow-up of High-Risk Pregnant (HRP) women. 

Preparing Through MCQ  

Q. What does “neonatal death” refer to under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)?

(1) Death of the mother during childbirth 
(2) Death of a baby before birth 
(3) Death of a baby within 28 days of life 
(4) Death of a baby after 1 year of birth 

Answer: (3) Death of a baby within 28 days of life