Motherhood is that qualitative experience which, for many mothers of India, comes with considerable health risks. Maternal deaths in the country have been a long-standing challenge for years, of which nearly nine in every 100,000 deaths of pregnancies and deliveries were due to preventable complications. The urgent situation called for an initiative-cum-programme to mainstream safe motherhood for all pregnant women in this large nation: which led to the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).
What is the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan?
Initiated in June 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is an extension of free antenatal check-up to all the pregnant women during their second and third trimester. This will guarantee delivery of quality care on the 9th day of every month in each government health centre located across India. The basic idea of such an initiative is to decrease the maternal and infant mortality rates by providing appropriate health intervention in time to both the mother and the baby.
Major Objectives of PMSMA
- Minimum assured care to every woman: the program provides every pregnant woman at least with free antenatal check-up during her second or third trimester through professional doctors, nurses, or midwives.
.2. Early Detection of High-Risk Pregnancies: By allowing quality antenatal care, the PMSMA program allows the detection and management of high-risk pregnancies at an early stage and thus prevents complications later on. - Promotion of Institutional Deliveries: Free check-ups and counseling encourage women to opt for institutional deliveries, thus ensuring them proper medical attention during delivery.
- Reduction of Maternal and Infant Mortality: One of its primary objectives is the reduction of maternal mortality-rates (women dying during pregnancy or at the time of delivery)-and infant mortality rates, two significant issues in India’s health care system.
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How it Works
PMSMA provides in pregnant women attending designated government health facilities on the 9th of every month with a thorough check-up by trained professionals, including obstetricians and gynecologists. The care includes:
- Routine Lab Tests: Anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and so on.
- Ultrasound and Diagnostic Procedures: For early complication detection, for instance, placenta previa, fetal distress, or growth deviations.
- Nutrition Counselling: Pregnant women are counseled on proper diet during pregnancy, including iron and folic acid supplementation.
- Identification of High-Risk Pregnancy: Pregnant women who have other conditions, such as hypertension, anemia, or advanced maternal age, are identified and closely monitored with a view to referring them to higher medical facilities if necessary.
- Immunization and Preventive Measures: The scheme also includes tetanus vaccination and other infections that may endanger the mother or the infant.
Private Practitioners and Volunteers
A prominent feature of the PMSMA is the amalgamation of providers of public and private healthcare under a single umbrella. The program engages the services of doctors in private practice through an entreaty to come on PMSMA days to give their services. A good number of practitioners have come forward to extend their service in areas where such specialized medical support has been relatively deficient.
Success and Impact
Since its launch, it has been seen that Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan has had a positive effect on the amelioration of maternal health. Millions of rural and inaccessible women beneficiaries have received vital antenatal services through this campaign whom otherwise they would not have accessed.
As of 2020, it has reached over two crores pregnant women and has identified thousands of at-risk pregnancies to be referred to tertiary-care facilities for specialized management. The early detection and treatment of many complications have prevented many complications in childbirth, thus contributing to the declining maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in India.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While PMSMA has gone to some distance, yet much more needs to be accomplished as well.
Awareness and Access: A scheme like PMSMA remains largely unknown in many parts of India. The marginalized and remote communities especially remain ignorant of it. It is pertinent that every woman is sensitized about PMSMA and they get access to the services.
- Health Infrastructure: In PMSMA days, a large number of patients throng to the government facilities. Availability of doctors and sufficient health infrastructure is a bottleneck in rural areas. The requirement is for more intensive trained workforce and better facilities to cope with rising demand.
- Follow up and postnatal care: Although antenatal care has been strengthened under PMSMA, one must not forget the importance of postnatal care. Active follow up after delivery can take care of mothers and their babies as much as they need.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is a big move toward a healthy India. By offering free, high-quality antenatal care and focusing on high-risk pregnancies, the program stands to save countless lives and ensure safer pregnancies for women throughout the country. That is where PMSMA’s success will ultimately depend, on raising awareness, improving infrastructure, and maintaining a robust healthcare workforce. The continuous efforts of the nation can help India reach the goal of reducing the maternal and infant mortality rate as well as ensuring that every woman has a safe motherhood. As per Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “Proper health care provided to women especially pregnant women will lead to a healthy future of the country.
FAQs:
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan under which ministry?
Ministry of health & family welfare(MoHFW) , Government of India.
(Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan)
