Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 October 2024
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), an initiative by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, has been actively implemented in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands since September 9, 2016. This nationwide program offers free, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care to pregnant women, ensuring essential maternal health services are accessible on the 9th of every month.
The PMSMA aims to provide timely antenatal care, particularly to pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. These services, including ultrasound examinations, blood tests, and other necessary screenings, help detect, refer, and treat high-risk pregnancies. The initiative also seeks to encourage private sector participation, with private practitioners volunteering to offer antenatal services free of charge.
Since its inception, PMSMA has screened over 29,519 pregnant women in the A&N Islands, with private doctors providing 307 consultations and ultrasounds. As of March 9, 2023, 10 private doctors have pledged their support to the initiative, offering their services voluntarily.
Currently, three private hospitals—Arun Hospital (Dollygunj), Swasthya Medical Centre (Bhathu Basti), and Chennai Sri Balaji Scan Centre (Phoenix Bay)—are offering free services under this program.
In recognition of their valuable contributions, a special award function was held at the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Conference Hall. The Special Secretary (Health)/Mission Director of the Union Territory Health Mission (UTHM) presented Certificates of Appreciation to the three institutions. The event was attended by the Director of Health Services, Director of ANIIMS, Medical Superintendent of GB Pant Hospital, and senior doctors from the Directorate of Health Services.
The initiative continues to expand, providing critical support to pregnant women across the islands while promoting collaboration between public and private healthcare sectors.