With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements

1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). The program aims to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month. PMSMA guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in the 2nd/3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities. It does not explicitly mention or guarantee six months of post-delivery health care services.

Statement 2 is correct

• The programme follows a systematic approach for engagement with the private sector, which includes motivating private practitioners to volunteer for the campaign, developing strategies for generating awareness, and appealing to the private sector to participate in the Abhiyan at government health facilities.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium