Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana provides free, quality and zero-cost healthcare to pregnant women, mothers up to six months after delivery and sick newborns across India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched this central government scheme in October 2019, and it is being implemented through a network of over 99,290 public health facilities.
Pregnant women get at least 4 antenatal check-ups, free delivery, free treatment of complications and six home-based newborn care visits under this scheme. Every woman who visits a public health facility receives respectful care without paying anything, because the scheme follows a zero-tolerance policy against denial of services. As of 2026, the scheme continues to be a main support for bringing down maternal and infant deaths in the country.
Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana - Key Details
SUMAN brings many existing maternal health schemes such as PMSMA, JSSK and LaQshya under one umbrella. Instead of just listing entitlements, it gives a service guarantee. This means every pregnant woman, new mother and sick newborn who visits a government health facility gets free and respectful treatment with no out-of-pocket spending.
The main aim of the scheme is zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Complications during and after pregnancy are identified and managed for free, C-section delivery is free at public facilities when required, and sick newborns get free treatment. Free transport from home to the health facility and a safe drop back after discharge are also part of the guarantee.
The scheme is closely linked with Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, which completed 10 years in June 2026 and has already served more than 7.50 crore pregnant women. The extended PMSMA strategy, launched in January 2022, separately tracks high-risk pregnancies until safe delivery. India's maternal mortality ratio has also fallen from 130 to 87 per 1 lakh live births between 2014-16 and 2022-24.
Key promises of the scheme are:
- Free identification and management of complications during and after pregnancy.
- Zero-cost normal delivery and C-section at public health facilities.
- Free transport from home to the hospital and drop back home after discharge.
- Free vaccinations and required care for sick newborns.
- Respectful care with privacy, dignity and full support for breastfeeding.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana (SUMAN) |
| Level | Central Government |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Launch Date | October 2019 |
| Beneficiaries | Pregnant women, mothers up to 6 months after delivery, sick newborns |
| Facility Network | Over 99,290 public health facilities |
| Benefit Type | Free healthcare services (in kind) |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | No |
| Helpline | 1800-180-1104 |
| Official Portal | suman.nhp.gov.in |
Benefits
Mothers and newborns get a long list of free services at public health facilities under SUMAN. Each service is part of the service guarantee, so any hospital that refuses to provide it can be reported.
- At least 4 antenatal check-ups, including one in the 1st trimester and at least one under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
- Iron folic acid supplements, tetanus-diphtheria injection and other parts of the complete antenatal care package.
- Free normal delivery and C-section, plus free management of complications before, during and after delivery.
- Six home-based newborn care visits and free treatment for sick newborns and neonates.
- Free ambulance transport through Dial 102/108 from home to the health facility and drop back home after discharge.
- Zero dose vaccination and help to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis.
Eligibility
Any pregnant woman living in India can get the benefit of this scheme, whether she belongs to an APL or BPL family. Newborns and lactating mothers are also covered for up to six months after delivery. The scheme does not ask for income proof, caste certificate or any special registration fee.
Mothers coming from a BPL household, as well as those from an APL background, can both register at any government health facility. Babies from birth up to six months of age are covered along with their mothers.
Application Process
SUMAN does not need a complicated online application. Pregnant women can simply walk into the nearest government health facility and register for free care. For any complaint about denied services, a separate grievance process is available.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest civil hospital or public health facility as soon as you know you are pregnant. Register yourself for antenatal care and ask for the Mother and Child Protection Card.
STEP 2 - Keep your identity proof and pregnancy records ready. The facility will start your check-ups, blood tests and vaccinations under the scheme.
STEP 3 - For delivery, go to the nearest facility or any empanelled public health facility. The government arranges free ambulance transport through Dial 102/108.
STEP 4 - If any hospital denies services or behaves badly, register a grievance on the official SUMAN portal (suman.nhp.gov.in) or call the toll-free helpline 1800-180-1104. You can also SMS SUMAN followed by your name to 5616115. The detailed portal and login steps are explained in the PM SUMAN Yojana portal and login article.
Documents Required
Documents required for SUMAN registration are simple to arrange:
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license or voter ID.
- Pregnancy records or medical details issued by a registered hospital.
- Address proof such as passport, utility bill or property tax receipt.
References
Official PIB press release on maternal health schemes in India
FAQ's
What is the primary aim of Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana?
The main aim is zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths in India. Every pregnant woman, new mother and sick newborn who visits a public health facility gets free, respectful and quality care, and no hospital can deny services.
Is Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana applicable for every woman?
Yes, any pregnant woman living in India is eligible, whether she belongs to an APL or BPL family. She only needs to register at the nearest civil hospital or public health facility.
What is the maternal mortality ratio?
Maternal mortality ratio measures deaths caused by pregnancy or childbirth complications per 1 lakh live births. India's maternal mortality ratio has come down from 130 in 2014-16 to 87 in 2022-24, a drop of 43 points.
Does Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana give cash benefit?
No, this scheme gives free healthcare services instead of cash. Pregnant women and newborns get free check-ups, delivery, treatment and care at public health facilities. Eligible women can separately check Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for maternity cash support.