NEW DELHI, Jun 11: The Union Government has launched nationwide celebrations marking a decade of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), highlighting significant improvements in maternal healthcare and antenatal services since the programme’s inception in 2016.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the campaign under the theme “10 Years of PMSMA A Decade of Care”, describing the initiative as a major pillar of India’s efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality while ensuring safe motherhood for millions of women.
Launched in June 2016, PMSMA provides assured, comprehensive and free antenatal care services to pregnant women on the ninth day of every month at government health facilities. The programme was designed to identify high-risk pregnancies early and ensure timely medical intervention, especially in underserved and rural regions.
Over the last decade, the scheme has evolved into one of India’s most extensive maternal healthcare initiatives. Health officials say the programme has improved access to specialist consultations, diagnostic services and referral mechanisms, helping reduce complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The initiative has also strengthened coordination between primary health centres, district hospitals and tertiary care institutions.
Addressing the event, Nadda said the government remains committed to strengthening healthcare support for women and newborns. He noted that improvements in maternal health indicators reflect sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, awareness campaigns and institutional delivery services.
According to government data cited during the celebrations, millions of antenatal check-ups have been conducted under PMSMA, enabling healthcare workers to identify cases involving anaemia, hypertension, gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications. Early detection has helped improve treatment outcomes and reduce risks to both mothers and infants.
Healthcare experts note that India’s maternal healthcare landscape has undergone a substantial transformation over the past decade. Increased institutional deliveries, improved immunisation coverage and enhanced access to reproductive healthcare services have contributed to better outcomes for mothers and newborns. Recent national health indicators have also shown progress in antenatal care coverage and child health metrics.
Public health specialists believe the programme’s success lies in its focus on preventive care rather than emergency intervention alone. By ensuring regular check ups and monitoring throughout pregnancy, healthcare providers are better equipped to address complications before they become life-threatening.
The celebrations will include awareness drives, community outreach programmes, health camps and educational campaigns across states and union territories. Authorities aim to encourage greater participation among pregnant women, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities.
Officials said the next phase of maternal healthcare reforms will focus on digital health records, telemedicine support for remote regions and further strengthening referral systems for high-risk pregnancies. The government is also exploring the use of data-driven monitoring tools to improve healthcare delivery and track maternal health outcomes more effectively.
Experts say the PMSMA experience demonstrates how targeted public health interventions can produce measurable improvements in maternal and child health. As India advances toward broader healthcare goals under the Viksit Bharat vision, maternal health remains a key component of the country’s public health agenda.
The programme’s tenth anniversary comes at a time when healthcare policymakers are increasingly focusing on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and equitable access to medical services. Officials maintain that continued investment in maternal healthcare will remain essential for sustaining gains achieved over the past decade and ensuring healthier outcomes for future generations.