UPSC Prelims 2024 Q99: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) - Statement Analysis
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care in 2nd and 3rd trimesters + 6 months post-delivery healthcare in any government facility | FALSE | PMSMA provides antenatal care for women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester only (not post-delivery care). The scheme focuses on fixed-day (9th of every month) antenatal checkups at government health facilities. There is no 6-month post-delivery healthcare component under PMSMA. Post-delivery services fall under other schemes (Janani Suraksha Yojana, etc.). |
| 2 | Private sector healthcare providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government facilities | TRUE | Under PMSMA, obstetricians, gynaecologists, and physicians from the private sector can register and voluntarily provide antenatal care at government health facilities on the 9th of each month. This is the iCall initiative under PMSMA. |
Only Statement 2 is correct.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false - PMSMA does NOT include a 6-month post-delivery healthcare component. It is specifically an antenatal care program for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
- (b) CORRECT. Only Statement 2 is correct. Private sector specialists can volunteer at government health facilities under PMSMA on the 9th of each month. Statement 1 is false - no post-delivery component exists under PMSMA.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false - PMSMA does not include post-delivery (postnatal) healthcare as part of its package. Adding both would incorrectly validate Statement 1.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is correct - private sector voluntary participation is a real and important feature of PMSMA through the iCall initiative.
Key point
PMSMA = fixed-day (9th of month) antenatal care for 2nd and 3rd trimester women at government facilities. NO post-delivery component. Private sector specialists can volunteer under iCall initiative. Statement 1 (6-month post-delivery) is FALSE.
Remember
PMSMA provides antenatal care for women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters on the 9th of each month - it has no post-delivery (postnatal) component. Private sector specialists can volunteer at government facilities under the scheme.
Common mistakes
- Adding post-delivery care to PMSMA - it focuses exclusively on antenatal (before birth) care for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Postnatal care is under separate schemes.
- Not knowing the 'iCall' feature - this voluntary private sector specialist participation is a distinctive feature of PMSMA that improves antenatal care quality at government facilities.
- Confusing PMSMA with other maternal health schemes: JSY (Janani Suraksha Yojana) = cash benefit for institutional delivery. JSSK = free services for pregnancy. PMSMA = quality antenatal checkups on 9th of each month.
Exam tip
PMSMA = 9th of every month = antenatal care for 2nd and 3rd trimester only. No post-delivery component. Private doctor volunteers = iCall. For maternal schemes: JSY = delivery incentive. JSSK = free delivery services. PMSMA = quality ANC checkups.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare - PMSMA Guidelines
- National Health Mission - Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan