Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Free Antenatal Care on the 9th, Benefits and Eligibility (2026 Guide)

TL;DR

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a Government of India scheme that gives pregnant women free, comprehensive antenatal check-ups on the 9th of every month at government health facilities. Unlike JSY and PMMVY, PMSMA is not a cash scheme, it provides free medical care (PMSMA, MoHFW)。 On the 9th of each month, women in their second or third trimester can get a full package free of cost: a doctor's check-up, blood and urine tests, one ultrasound, medicines, and counselling, all in a single visit. A key goal is to identify high-risk pregnancies early using a sticker system on the MCP card (green for no risk, red for high risk). No advance registration is needed, just visit a designated government facility on the 9th. It is especially aimed at women who have not had regular check-ups.

Quick Answer

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a central government scheme that gives pregnant women free, quality antenatal care on the 9th of every month at government health facilities. It is a free-service scheme, not a cash benefit. On the 9th, women in their second or third trimester get a full check-up, blood and urine tests, one ultrasound, medicines and counselling, free of cost. A main aim is to spot high-risk pregnancies early. No advance registration is needed; just visit on the 9th.

Author: Mylo Parenting Desk (Government Schemes & Maternity Care) Information source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Government of India) (pmsma.mohfw.gov.in) Last updated: 11 June 2026

Important Note: This article explains the PMSMA scheme for general information. Services and rules are set by the Government of India and can change over time. For the exact designated facility and services near you, check with your ASHA worker, ANM, or nearest government health facility, or the official PMSMA website.

Key Takeaways

• PMSMA provides free antenatal care on the 9th of every month (PMSMA)
• It is a free-service scheme, not a cash benefit (unlike JSY/PMMVY)
• For pregnant women in the second and third trimester
• Includes check-up, blood/urine tests, one ultrasound, medicines, counselling
• A key goal is to identify high-risk pregnancies early
• Uses a sticker system on the MCP card (green = no risk, red = high risk)
• No advance registration needed, just visit on the 9th
• Involves voluntary participation of private specialists too

What Is Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)?

PMSMA is a maternal-health scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016, run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (PMSMA)。 It guarantees free, fixed-day, comprehensive antenatal care (ANC) to pregnant women on the 9th of every month at designated government health facilities.

Its main aims are to:

1. Ensure every pregnant woman gets at least one quality check-up in the second or third trimester
2. Identify and follow up high-risk pregnancies early
3. Reduce maternal and newborn deaths through timely care

Unlike JSY and PMMVY (which give cash), PMSMA gives free medical care and tests.

What Services Do You Get Under PMSMA? (Benefits)

On the 9th, a pregnant woman gets a complete free package in a single visit (PMSMA):

All of this is free of cost at the designated government facility.

Who Is Eligible for PMSMA? (Eligibility)

PMSMA is for all pregnant women, with a special focus on those who miss regular care (PMSMA):

• Pregnant women in their second and third trimester
• Especially unregistered, adolescent, early, or high-risk pregnancies
• Women who have not had regular antenatal check-ups

There is no income or category restriction, it is universal. No advance registration is needed; just visit a designated government facility on the 9th.

When and Where Can You Get PMSMA Care?

Ask your ASHA worker or ANM for the nearest designated PMSMA facility.

What Is the PMSMA Sticker System? (High-Risk Identification)

A key part of PMSMA is spotting high-risk pregnancies early, using a sticker on the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card (PMSMA):

If you receive a red sticker, it means your pregnancy needs closer monitoring, follow your doctor's advice for further care.

Why Is PMSMA Important?

Regular antenatal care saves lives, and PMSMA makes it accessible (PMSMA):

1. Free quality care for women who might otherwise skip check-ups
2. Early detection of problems like anaemia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes
3. High-risk pregnancies get identified and followed up
4. Counselling helps women plan a safe delivery
5. Reduces maternal and newborn deaths

PMSMA vs JSY vs PMMVY: What Is the Difference?

These three schemes support pregnant women in different ways, and you may benefit from all three (Mylo):

➡️ Related reads: How a pregnant woman can get government support and Benefits under PMSMA

Indian Context: What Expecting Mothers Should Know

1. Mark the 9th: Plan to visit your designated government facility on the 9th for a free, complete check-up (PMSMA)
2. Bring your MCP card: It records your check-ups, tests and the risk sticker
3. It is completely free: Never pay for PMSMA services; report anyone asking for money
4. Do not skip if high-risk: A red sticker means you need extra care, follow up promptly
5. Combine with other schemes: You may also qualify for JSY (delivery) and PMMVY (cash), ask your ASHA worker
6. Even one visit matters: If you have missed check-ups, PMSMA is a chance to get quality care in one visit

Myths vs Facts About PMSMA

FAQs: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

What is Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)?

PMSMA is a Government of India scheme that gives pregnant women free, comprehensive antenatal care on the 9th of every month at government health facilities (PMSMA)。 It is a free-service scheme (not cash), aimed at ensuring quality check-ups and spotting high-risk pregnancies early.

PMSMA mein kya milta hai? (Hinglish)

PMSMA mein har mahine ki 9 taareekh ko pregnant women ko free antenatal check-up milta hai. Isme doctor ki jaanch, blood aur urine test, ek ultrasound, medicines (jaise iron-folic acid, calcium) aur counselling, sab free milta hai. Iska mukhya maqsad high-risk pregnancy ko jaldi pehchanna hai. Advance registration ki zarurat nahi, bas 9 taareekh ko government facility par jaayein.

When is PMSMA held?

On the 9th of every month (PMSMA)。 If the 9th falls on a holiday, it is usually held on the next working day. Just visit a designated government health facility, no advance registration is needed.

Who is eligible for PMSMA?

All pregnant women, especially those in their second or third trimester, and particularly unregistered, adolescent, or high-risk pregnancies (PMSMA)。 There is no income or category restriction, it is universal and free.

Kya PMSMA ki services free hain? (Hinglish)

Haan, PMSMA ki saari services bilkul free hain, doctor ki jaanch, blood/urine test, ek ultrasound, medicines aur counselling. Kisi bhi service ke liye paise dene ki zarurat nahi. Agar koi paise maange toh yeh galat hai, iski shikayat karein. Bas apna MCP card saath le jaayein.

What is the red sticker in PMSMA?

The red sticker on your MCP card means a high-risk pregnancy has been identified, so you need closer monitoring and follow-up (PMSMA)。 A green sticker means no risk factor was detected. Follow your doctor's advice based on your sticker.

Is PMSMA the same as JSY or PMMVY?

No. PMSMA provides free antenatal care (a service), while JSY gives cash for hospital delivery and PMMVY gives a maternity cash benefit (Mylo)。 A pregnant woman may benefit from all three.

References

1. PMSMA, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. "About the Scheme." https://pmsma.mohfw.gov.in/about-scheme/
2. PMSMA Official Portal. https://pmsma.mohfw.gov.in/
3. Press Information Bureau (PIB), Govt of India. "PMSMA." https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1845078
4. National Health Mission (NHM). "Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan." https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=3&sublinkid=1308&lid=689