Statewide health camps cover over 1 lakh pregnant women, spot 14K high-risk cases

Patna: Altogether 1.83 lakh pregnant women underwent antenatal check-ups (ANC) at special health camps organised at 12,448 health institutions across the state on Thursday. The drive marked the completion of 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).A total of 14,506 high-risk pregnancies were identified at these camps, with steps initiated for necessary medical management and referrals.Health minister Nishant expressed satisfaction with the campaign, stating that PMSMA has strengthened maternal health services over the past decade. He said the initiative ensures access to routine check-ups, medical counselling, and timely care in complicated cases.Special camps were held in all districts at 1,277 regular PMSMA sites and 11,171 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Doctors, specialists, ANMs, ASHA workers, and other health personnel were deployed in a planned manner.During the campaign, 1,83,542 pregnant women received ANC services, including 1,06,365 at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 77,177 at designated PMSMA sites. Services included blood pressure monitoring, blood tests, weight checks, foetal assessment, and other essential examinations.Women were also counselled on balanced nutrition, safe delivery practices, newborn care, and maternal wellbeing.The drive aimed to identify high-risk pregnancies and ensure timely intervention. Of the 14,506 high-risk cases, 11,708 were managed at camp sites, while 2,063 women were referred to higher-level facilities for specialised care.Health department secretary Kumar Ravi said PMSMA is among the country’s key maternal health initiatives and has been developed into a mass movement in Bihar with visible positive outcomes. Since its launch in June 2016, over 77 lakh pregnant women in the state have benefited under the scheme.