PM Suman Scheme: Register, Eliibility, Features & Benefits

Suman Scheme 2024 | Pradhanmantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Apply: The Indian government consistently launches new programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of its citizens.

Regardless of whether you directly benefit from these programs, it’s important to be familiar with them, particularly if you’re preparing for competitive exams, where knowledge of such initiatives could earn you valuable marks. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Suman Scheme.

What is the Suman Scheme?

The Suman Scheme, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), is a health initiative launched by the Indian government. Its main purpose is to offer free, high-quality healthcare services to pregnant women, new mothers, and infants. This program aims to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates in India.

Background and Launch

The Suman Scheme was introduced by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, on October 10, 2019. It represents a crucial step towards ensuring safer childbirth and reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths.

Goals and Impact of PM Suman Yojana 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that the standard of care for expectant mothers and infants should lead to achieving desired health outcomes, which include being safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable, and people-centred. Following these guidelines, the Suman Scheme strives to improve the overall healthcare delivery system for maternal and infant health.

Statistical Improvements

According to the latest data provided by the Indian government, there has been a notable decrease in maternal mortality, from 254 per 100,000 live births in 2004-06 to 130 in 2014-16. Similarly, infant mortality rates have also improved, dropping from 66 per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 34 in 2016. These statistics underscore the positive impact of the government’s health initiatives, including the Suman Scheme, in enhancing the health standards for mothers and babies across the country.

Overview of the Suman Scheme

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What was the need to introduce Suman Scheme?

The introduction of the Suman Scheme was deemed necessary despite India’s existing network of public hospitals and the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, primarily because of persistent gaps in maternal and infant healthcare accessibility and quality. The need for specialized care for pregnant women, new mothers, and infants is universally recognized, but several barriers prevent these services from reaching every individual in need.

Challenges in Existing Healthcare Services

In many parts of India, despite the presence of civil hospitals, a significant number of expectant mothers still resort to home births. This is often due to barriers such as lack of mobility and poverty. Cultural practices and the unavailability of transportation also play roles in making healthcare inaccessible to many, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Risks of Unassisted Childbirth

Home births without professional medical assistance can pose severe risks. The environments are often not sterile, and the attendants, such as local dais (traditional birth attendants), may lack the necessary medical training. This increases the risk of infections, complications during delivery, and higher mortality rates among mothers and infants.

Objectives of the Suman Scheme

Recognizing these issues, the Suman Scheme aims to ensure that every woman and newborn receives free healthcare services at public health facilities. This includes not only safe and clean birthing practices but also a comprehensive package of prenatal and postnatal care. The scheme ensures that skilled healthcare providers are available at critical times, thereby reducing the dependence on untrained birth attendants.

The no-expense policy under the Suman Scheme is particularly crucial as it removes financial barriers, enabling expectant mothers from disadvantaged backgrounds to access necessary medical care. This approach is aligned with the broader goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes, ensuring a healthier start for the next generation.

Features and Benefits of the Suman Scheme 2024

The Suman Scheme offers a comprehensive array of features and benefits designed to support pregnant women and new parents. Here are the key elements of the program:

1. Complimentary Services at Public Health Facilities: The scheme ensures that pregnant women and new parents can access multiple free services at public health facilities, enhancing the reach and quality of maternal and infant care.
2. Prenatal Check-ups: Beneficiaries are entitled to at least four prenatal check-ups, which are crucial for monitoring the health of the mother and the developing baby. These check-ups include at least one free prenatal visit during each trimester, ensuring regular assessment throughout the pregnancy.
3. Home-Based Newborn Care: The scheme provides six home-based newborn care visits to ensure that the baby receives proper medical attention and care in the critical initial weeks after birth.
4. Comprehensive ANC Package: Participants receive a complete antenatal care (ANC) package that includes one check-up under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, supplementation of iron and folic acid, vaccinations against tetanus and diphtheria, and other vital health services.
5. Detection and Treatment of Pregnancy-Related Issues: The scheme empowers women by facilitating the identification and treatment of pregnancy-related complications, enhancing both maternal and fetal health.
6. Dignified and Respectful Care: Essential care under the scheme is provided with a strong emphasis on respect, decency, and privacy, creating a supportive environment for the beneficiaries.
7. Support Post-Delivery: After delivery, the program offers guidance and support for early initiation of breastfeeding, which is vital for the newborn’s nutrition and immune system.
8. Newborn Vaccinations: The newborns are entitled to free, zero-dose vaccinations under the scheme, protecting them against various infectious diseases from the very start of their lives.

These features demonstrate the Suman Scheme’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality by providing extensive and accessible healthcare services, thereby ensuring a healthier start for mothers and their children.

List of Facilities Provided Under the Suman Scheme 2024

The Suman Scheme, designed to enhance medical care for pregnant women and new mothers, offers comprehensive services at no cost to beneficiaries, particularly targeting those from Above Poverty Line (APL) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The government’s commitment to providing effective medical care and advice is clear through the breadth of services and facilities available under this initiative.

Comprehensive Services Offered

1. No-Cost Medical Care: All necessary medical care for pregnant women and newborns (aged 0 to 6 months) is provided at no charge. This includes all essential medical exams during pregnancy.
2. Free Transportation: Pregnant women benefit from complimentary transportation to and from the hospital for delivery.
3. Postnatal Home Visits: Newborn infants receive regular care visits at home, ensuring continuous health monitoring and support.
4. Free Delivery Services: Hospitals under this program are not permitted to charge for deliveries, whether natural or via C-section.
5. No Tolerance Policy: There is a strict enforcement policy where any hospital or personnel failing to support a woman or a newborn adequately will face consequences under the program’s “No Tolerance” policy.

Health Facilities Available Under the Scheme

In Rural Areas, the facilities include:

• Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Serve as the first point of contact between village community members and the medical officer.
• Community Health Centres (CHCs): Provide facilities for obstetric care and specialist consultations.
• Rural Hospitals: Offer comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care.
• Sub-District Hospitals: Provide more specialized health services than PHCs.
• District Hospitals: Equipped with advanced healthcare facilities and serve larger communities.
• Medical College Hospitals: Offer specialized treatments and also serve as training sites for future healthcare professionals.

In Urban Areas, the facilities are structured differently:

• Urban Dispensaries: Primary healthcare services are available for minor health issues and regular check-ups.
• Urban Health Posts: Often focus on preventive care and community health.
• Maternity Homes: Specialized in maternal and newborn care, ensuring safe delivery and postnatal care.

Through these facilities, the Suman Scheme aims to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers receive the best possible care, regardless of their economic status, and that they have access to services that can significantly improve health outcomes for themselves and their babies.

Eligibility Criteria for the Suman Scheme 2024

To access the benefits of the Suman Scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the government to ensure the intended populations are supported effectively. Here are the key eligibility requirements for participation in the scheme:

1. All Pregnant Women: The program is inclusive of pregnant women from all income levels, catering to both Above Poverty Line (APL) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories. This wide eligibility is designed to ensure that every pregnant woman in the country can access necessary healthcare services without financial constraints.
2. Newborns Aged 0 to 6 Months: The scheme extends its benefits to all newborns in this age group, providing critical early life care that can impact long-term health outcomes.
3. Lactating Women Up to Six Months Post-Delivery: Women in the postpartum phase (up to six months after delivery) are also eligible. This includes support for postnatal care and services to promote the health of both the mother and the infant during this crucial period.

These eligibility criteria are aimed at broadening the reach of healthcare services, ensuring comprehensive coverage for mothers and their infants from pregnancy through the early postnatal period. This approach helps in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving overall health outcomes in the community.

Procedure to Register for the Suman Scheme

Registration for the Suman Scheme is straightforward, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can easily access the services provided under the program. Here’s how you can register for the Suman Scheme:

1. Visit Your Local Civil Hospital: To register for the Suman Scheme, you should visit the nearest civil hospital in your area. Civil hospitals across all states are instructed to facilitate registrations under the scheme as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
2. Provide Necessary Documentation: At the hospital, you will likely need to provide certain documents that prove your eligibility, such as proof of pregnancy, identification documents, and any relevant medical records. It’s advisable to carry documents that establish your residency and income level as well, especially if the services are prioritized for BPL and APL categories.
3. Enrollment Process: The hospital staff will guide you through the enrollment process, which involves filling out the necessary forms and detailing the specific services you are registering for, such as prenatal check-ups, delivery, and postnatal care.
4. Receive a Health Card or Identifier: After registering, you will receive a health card or some form of identifier that you can use to access the services provided under the scheme at any participating hospital or healthcare facility.
5. Follow-up Appointments: Make sure to schedule and attend all required appointments for prenatal check-ups, delivery planning, and postnatal care as per the scheme’s guidelines.
6. Continued Engagement: Stay engaged with healthcare providers throughout the pregnancy and after childbirth to make the most of the scheme’s benefits. Regular visits and compliance with medical advice are crucial for the health of both the mother and the child.

By following these steps, eligible women and infants can benefit from the comprehensive healthcare services offered by the Suman Scheme, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality and ensuring a healthy start for newborns.

Final Thoughts on the Suman Scheme

The Suman Scheme was launched with a critical mission: to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates across India. This initiative is particularly vital in rural areas, where limited facilities and resources often force women to deliver babies at home under less-than-ideal conditions. By ensuring that medical facilities and comprehensive healthcare services are accessible to all pregnant women, regardless of their financial situation, the scheme addresses significant disparities in healthcare access.

Through the Suman Scheme, the government aims to provide equitable healthcare coverage, ensuring that every pregnant woman and newborn receives the care they need for a healthy start. This approach not only improves health outcomes but also supports the broader goal of enhancing the well-being of communities across the country. The scheme is a testament to the commitment to ensuring that no mother or child is left behind due to geographic or economic barriers.