Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Scheme - SUMAN Scheme

Suman Scheme – The Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan scheme is an initiative by the Central Government for Zero preventable maternal and newborn death i.e. through the Suman scheme the central government is committed to achieving the target of reducing maternal and infant mortality.

The topic holds relevance for the General awareness section of various Government exams. Hence, the article aims to provide important facts related to Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Scheme such as objectives, significance, background etc.

The article will also be helpful for IAS Exam aspirants to prepare for the prelims and GS 2 of UPSC.

SUMAN Scheme – Overview

1. The central government launched the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) scheme.
2. It aims to provide dignified and quality health care at no cost to every woman and newborn visiting a public health facility.
3. The scheme was launched on October 10, 2019 during the 13th Conference of Central Council of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi.
4. All pregnant women, newborns and mothers up to 6 months of delivery will be able to avail several free health care services under this scheme.
5. This initiative focuses on assured delivery of maternal and newborn healthcare services encompassing wider access to free, and quality services, zero tolerance for denial of services, assured management of complications along with respect for women’s autonomy, dignity, feelings, choices and preferences, etc.
6. The beneficiaries visiting public health facilities are entitled to several free services such as
   • at least four antenatal check-ups
   • six home-based newborn care visits.
   • one checkup during the 1st trimester
   • Iron Folic Acid supplementation
   • Tetanus-Diphtheria injection 
   • other components of comprehensive ANC package
   • at least one checkup under (PMSMA- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan)

Aspirants can also know about, the Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) launched as a flagship maternity benefits programme of the Government of India.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs various programmes for the welfare of Pregnant Women and newborns, like-

1. PMSMA – Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
2. LaQSHYA – Labour Room & Quality Improvement Initiative
3. JSSK – Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram 
4. JSY – Janani Suraksha Yojana

A few relevant government initiatives to promote affordable and quality health care services are as follows-

To know more about other Government Schemes visit the linked article.

Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan – Objectives

1. The pregnant women will be able to avail a zero expense delivery and C-section facility in case of complications at public health facilities.
2. The scheme will enable zero expense access to the identification and management of complications during and after the pregnancy.
3. The scheme SUMAN will ensure that there is zero-tolerance for denial of services to such patients.
4. The government will also provide free transport to pregnant women from home to the health facility and drop back after discharge (minimum 48 hrs).
5. It will ensure respectful care with privacy and dignity, with early initiation and support for breastfeeding, zero dose vaccination and free and zero expense services for sick newborns and neonates.

# Note – Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) is a life-threatening problem that occurs because of unhygienic conditions during deliveries. Know more on Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus on the given link. 

Aim of SUMAN Scheme

The scheme Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan aims ‘assured, dignified and respectful delivery of quality healthcare services at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services to any woman and newborn visiting a public health facility in order to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths and morbidities and provide a positive birthing experience’.

Know the Major difference between Morbidity and Mortality on the linked article. 

Aspirants preparing for any government exams can visit the link provided to prepare even better for the examination-

1. Free Online Quiz for Government Exams
2. Government Exams Free Mock Test Series
3. Government Exam Previous Year Question Papers with Solution PDFs

Suman Scheme – Significance

1. The scheme provides a positive and stress-free birth experience to the mother and newborn.
2. It focuses on curbing the maternal and infant mortality rates in the nation and to stop all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

SUMAN Scheme – Data related to Maternal & Infant Mortality Rate

1. According to the government, India’s maternal mortality rate has declined from 254 per 1,00,000 live births in 2004-06 to 130 in 2014-16. 
2. Between 2001 and 2016, the infant mortality rate came down from 66 per 1,000 live births to 34.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the quality of care for mothers and newborns as “the extent to which health care services provided to individuals and patient populations improve desired health outcomes. In order to achieve this, health care must be safe, effective, timely, efficiently integrated, equitable and people-centred.” 

Know more about the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the linked page.

Aspirants preparing for various examinations can check out various Important Acts in India for women, children and marginalised groups on the linked page. 

Other Related Links  

Aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam can check the links given below –

1. UPSC 2023
2. UPSC Calendar 2023
3. UPSC Syllabus
4. Analysis of the Press Information Bureau

You can also check out the preparation strategies for competitive exams to fine-tune your exam prep.