Overview
On 9 June 2026, Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurated nationwide celebrations marking a decade of the PMSMA. The event also featured the release of a ₹75 commemorative coin and a ₹5 postal stamp. The programme, launched on 9 June 2016, aims to ensure safe pregnancy and healthy newborns for every Indian family.
Key Developments
- Extended PMSMA (E‑PMSMA) now monitors high‑risk cases individually.
- More than 9,000 private hospitals have joined the programme, expanding specialist access in remote districts.
- Institutional deliveries rose to 90.6 % and antenatal care coverage reached 95.9 %.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) fell from 130 to 87 per lakh live births (a reduction of 43 points).
- Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) declined from 24 to 18 per 1,000 live births.
Important Facts
The United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter‑Agency Group (UN‑MMEIG) reports an 86 % decline in India’s maternal mortality since 1990, far above the global average of 48 %. Under‑Five Mortality Rate fell by 79 % and neonatal mortality by 70 % (global declines 61 % and 54 % respectively). According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS‑6), 65.2 % of women now receive at least four antenatal visits and 76.2 % register in the first trimester.
Since its inception, PMSMA has conducted over 7.5 crore antenatal check‑ups and identified nearly 1.2 crore high‑risk pregnancies. The programme’s success rests on the work of ASHA workers, who locate pregnant women, ensure they attend the 9th‑day check‑up, and provide follow‑up through SMS alerts.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding PMSMA helps aspirants answer questions on public health policy, implementation challenges, and inter‑sectoral coordination. The scheme illustrates how central ministries, state governments, private partners and community health workers collaborate—a classic example of federalism in action (GS2). The dramatic fall in MMR and NMR showcases the impact of targeted health interventions on Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well‑Being) (GS3). The role of ASHA workers highlights the importance of grassroots mobilisation and accountability.
Way Forward
- Strengthen data‑driven monitoring of high‑risk pregnancies using digital tools.
- Expand private‑sector participation to cover remaining underserved districts.
- Integrate PMSMA with other maternal schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for holistic support.
- Continue capacity building for ASHA and ANM workers to improve early registration and follow‑up.
- Promote public awareness campaigns during the celebration period to ensure every pregnant woman knows her right to nine free services.