Government Initiatives for Maternal Health

Summary of Government Initiatives for Maternal Health and Nutrition

Constitutional References

• National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: Establishes nutritional standards for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children, under the provisions of Schedule-II.

Government Schemes and Initiatives

1. National Health Mission (NHM): Implements various health services and nutritional support for pregnant women.

2. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK):

   • Provides free delivery services, including cesarean, in government health institutions.
   • Covers free medicines, consumables, food during hospital stay, diagnostic tests, transportation, and blood transfusion if needed.
   • Extends free services to sick newborns up to one year old.

3. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA):

   • Offers free prenatal check-ups by specialists on the 9th of every month.
   • Focuses on high-risk pregnant women through enhanced prenatal care and personal monitoring.

4. Suman Roadmap-2030:

   • A life-cycle approach to maternal and child health, integrating various phases of care (pre-conception, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal).

5. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):

   • Provides cash incentives of ₹5,000 for the birth of the first child through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
   • An additional ₹6,000 is provided for the birth of a girl child as the second offspring.
   • Average assistance of ₹6,000 per woman under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) post-institutional delivery.

6. Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Nutrition 2.0:

   • Integrates Anganwadi services, nutrition campaigns, and the adolescent girl scheme.
   • Offers supplementary nutrition based on updated nutritional standards revised in January 2023, ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential micronutrients.

7. Anemia Mukt Bharat Campaign:

   • Launched on June 29, 2026, with a 7×7×7 strategy targeting seven beneficiary groups to reduce anemia prevalence.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• The government employs a robust multi-tier monitoring mechanism to ensure timely and transparent distribution of benefits to eligible pregnant women.
• Regular assessments and reviews conducted through National Program Coordination Committee (NPCC) meetings and Common Review Missions (CRM) to evaluate program implementation and health indicators.

Economic Indicators

• Direct cash transfers under PMMVY and JSY are aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

Science & Technology Updates

• Implementation of a Nutrition Tracker as a digital governance tool for real-time monitoring and tracking of beneficiaries and Anganwadi services.
• Introduction of a 'Nominee Module' to ensure uninterrupted delivery of rations to eligible beneficiaries through designated individuals.

Community Engagement

• Increased awareness and community participation through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies and Behavioral Change Communication (BCC).
• Field health workers, including ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) and ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife), play a crucial role in the grassroots-level dissemination and implementation of these programs.

Conclusion

The government has taken extensive measures to enhance maternal health and nutrition through various schemes, monitoring systems, and community engagement initiatives, with a strong emphasis on integrating technology for better service delivery.