10 Years of PMSMA: Achievements, Maternal Health Impact & Challenges

Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) aimed to improve maternal healthcare and reduce maternal deaths. On 9 June 2026, the Ministry of Health marked its 10-year milestone, celebrating achievements while acknowledging persisting challenges.

Key Terms

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births. India’s MMR declined from 130 to 87, moving closer to the SDG target of <70 by 2030.

• Antenatal Care (ANC): Medical care during pregnancy.

• Institutional Delivery: Childbirth in healthcare facilities.

• Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): Direct spending by patients not covered by insurance.

Success Factors

• 9th of Every Month Strategy: Fixed-date ANC check-ups improved awareness and attendance.

• Single-Window Care: Consultations, tests, medicines, counselling, and delivery guidance at one place.

• Private Sector Participation: “I Pledge for 9” campaign brought specialists into government facilities.

• High-Risk Pregnancy Identification: Colour-coded stickers (green, red, blue, yellow) ensured targeted monitoring.

Extended PMSMA (2022)

• Follow-up tracking: Additional ANC sessions for high-risk mothers.

• Name-based listing: Digital records to prevent exclusion.

• Financial incentives: Support for mothers and ASHA workers to ensure compliance and healthy outcomes.

Supporting Schemes

• JSY: Cash incentives for institutional deliveries.

• JSSK: Free medicines, diagnostics, food, and transport.

• SUMAN: Zero tolerance for denial of maternity services.

• PMMVY: Financial support for wage loss during pregnancy.

• LaQshya: Quality improvement in labour rooms and maternity OT.

Achievements

• 7.5 crore women received free ANC services.

• MMR reduced significantly from 130 to 87.

• Early identification of high-risk pregnancies prevented maternal and child deaths.

• Expanded maternal healthcare through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, district hospitals, and FRUs.

Challenges

• Regional inequality: Kerala/Tamil Nadu vs. UP, MP, Assam.

• Specialist shortage: Gynaecologists, paediatricians, anaesthetists in rural areas.

• Monthly check-up limitation: Gaps between visits for high-risk pregnancies.

• Last-mile connectivity: Poor transport and ambulance delays in remote areas.

• Low awareness: Customs and misconceptions hinder timely ANC registration.

Way Forward

• Strengthen digital health platforms and cloud-based records.

• Train ASHA workers for early risk identification.

• Increase specialist availability in rural centres.

• Develop GPS-enabled ambulance networks for emergencies.

• Promote institutional deliveries through awareness and community participation.

Conclusion

PMSMA has significantly improved maternal health outcomes over the past decade, reducing MMR and expanding access to antenatal care. However, bridging regional disparities, strengthening specialist availability, and ensuring continuous monitoring of high-risk pregnancies remain crucial for achieving the SDG target and ensuring safe motherhood across India.