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 ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (b)
• PMSMA (2016) provides free, assured antenatal care to pregnant women on the 9th of every month at government health facilities, focused on the second and third trimesters, to detect high-risk pregnancies.
• Statement 1 is wrong: the scheme covers antenatal care in the second and third trimesters; it does not guarantee six months of post-delivery care.
• Statement 2 is correct: a distinctive feature is that private obstetricians, gynaecologists, radiologists and physicians can volunteer to provide services at nearby government facilities on the PMSMA day, honoured with 'I Pledge for 9' recognition.
• The extended PMSMA (e-PMSMA, 2022) added tracking of high-risk pregnancies until safe delivery.
• Hence 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: no six-month post-delivery guarantee exists; statement 2 is correct.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Statement 1 is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Statement 2 is correct: private specialists may volunteer.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.