Patna: The Bihar Health Department will organise special maternal health camps across the state on June 9 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), a flagship programme aimed at improving maternal healthcare and ensuring safe pregnancies.
The campaign will be observed under the theme, “10 Years of Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Safe Pregnancy, Healthy Mother, Empowered India.” Awareness drives and health screening activities will be conducted at healthcare facilities throughout the state.
The department has issued guidelines to all medical colleges, district hospitals and Civil Surgeons to ensure smooth implementation of the programme.
More Than 7.7 Million Women Benefited
According to data released by the Health Department, 7,705,820 pregnant women in Bihar benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan between June 2016 and April 2026.
The programme is currently being implemented across 1,277 health facilities in the state.
Health Minister Nishant Kumar said the initiative has played an important role in strengthening maternal healthcare through the early identification of high-risk pregnancies, specialist consultations, advanced diagnostic services and improved referral mechanisms.
He said timely detection of pregnancy-related complications has helped reduce risks to both mothers and infants while contributing to efforts aimed at lowering maternal and neonatal mortality.
Antenatal Care Indicators Show Improvement
The Health Department cited findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24), which indicate an improvement in antenatal healthcare coverage in Bihar.
According to the survey, the proportion of women receiving antenatal check-ups during the first trimester increased from 52.9 per cent in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 63.9 per cent in NFHS-6.
Similarly, the share of women receiving four or more antenatal check-ups rose from 25.2 per cent to 37.6 per cent during the same period.
Special Camps Planned Across Bihar
As part of the anniversary observance, special antenatal check-up camps will be organised at all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Pregnant women in their second and third trimesters will be referred to sub-divisional hospitals, district hospitals and First Referral Units (FRUs), where specialist doctors will provide consultations and conduct necessary medical examinations.
Focus on High-Risk Pregnancies
Under the extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, health authorities will continue identifying high-risk pregnancies and ensuring close monitoring of affected women.
The Health Department said such cases will be tracked for up to 45 days after childbirth to support the health and well-being of both mothers and newborns.
