Punjab boosts high-risk maternal and neonatal care under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana

The Punjab government said on Tuesday it is strengthening high-risk maternal and neonatal care under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, with over 5,300 high-risk caesarean deliveries and around 2,094 neonatal care cases treated cashlessly till May 25.

According to the State Health Agency (SHA), total expenditure under the scheme stood at Rs 7.04 crore, covering 7,300 maternity and neonatal cases. Of these, high-risk caesarean deliveries accounted for 5,300 cases with an expenditure of Rs 6.37 crore, reflecting increased access to emergency obstetric care.

A National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)-based study noted that nearly one in two pregnancies in India is high-risk, citing factors such as low education levels, poverty, short pregnancy intervals and prior complications.

The scheme has been supporting surgical interventions in complicated pregnancies arising from prolonged labour, maternal health conditions, foetal distress and previous caesarean sections.

Beneficiaries reported relief under the cashless system. Deepika, a 28-year-old from Patiala, said she underwent a successful caesarean delivery after complications including anaemia. Her husband Manoj shared that “they were very happy that the procedures went smoothly and stress free with the cashless card.”

On neonatal care, SHA data showed 2,094 infants received treatment under different packages. This included 881 infants under Basic Neonatal Care, 777 under Special Neonatal Care, 207 under Intensive Neonatal Care, 116 under Advanced Neonatal Care, 64 under Critical Neonatal Care, and 18 under prolonged care, including 17 chronic cases. The scheme has seen about 44.8 lakh registrations across Punjab.