Free delivery and free check-ups in government hospitals
What JSSK and PMSMA entitle you to, what to ask before choosing a hospital, and what to do if someone asks you to pay.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Under JSSK, every pregnant woman who gives birth in a public health institution is entitled to free delivery, including caesarean section, plus free medicines, diagnostics, diet, blood and transport. Under PMSMA, government facilities offer free antenatal check-ups by a doctor on the 9th of every month, with one second-trimester ultrasound, iron and calcium supplements included.
JSSK: what is free in a public health institution
The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram was launched in 2011 to eliminate "out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick infants by entitling them to free delivery, including caesarean section, free transport, diagnostics, medicines, other consumables, diet and blood in public health institutions" (MoHFW).
| Entitlement | In practice |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Normal birth or caesarean, no bill |
| Medicines and consumables | You should not be sent out to buy them |
| Diagnostics | The tests your care needs |
| Diet | Three days after a normal delivery, seven after a caesarean (JSSK guideline, NHM Assam) |
| Blood | If you need a transfusion |
| Transport | Free referral transport, through 102 and 108 services in states such as Assam |
| Sick infants | Free care for sick infants in public health institutions |
Some states add more. Assam, for instance, has paid Rs 700 by DBT for the journey home after delivery since 1 January 2023, replacing its earlier drop-back vehicle.
If you are asked to pay for medicines, tests or blood during your delivery in a government hospital, ask calmly which JSSK entitlement covers it and ask to speak to the hospital manager or medical superintendent.
Respectful care is part of the deal
Under SUMAN (2019), MoHFW aims to provide "assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and new-born visiting the public health facility". LaQshya (2017) works on the quality of labour rooms and maternity operation theatres.
PMSMA: the free check-up on the 9th
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan provides "assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month".
- Who: pregnant women in their second or third trimester. The goal is at least one check-up by a physician or specialist for every woman.
- Where: "identified public health facilities (PHCs/CHCs, DHs/urban health facilities etc) in both urban and rural areas". Private doctors volunteer in these facilities.
- What: a minimum package of tests and medicines, including "one ultrasound during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and medicines such as IFA supplements, calcium supplements".
- Stickers: green for "women with no risk factor detected", red for "women with high risk pregnancy".
- High-risk follow-up: since January 2022, e-PMSMA tracks high-risk pregnancies individually, with a financial incentive for the woman and her ASHA for three extra visits.
More than 5.9 crore pregnant women had been examined under PMSMA by 21 March 2025.
Getting ready for the 9th
Choosing your hospital: questions to ask
Pack your bag from 36 weeks with your MCP card, Aadhaar and bank passbook; our hospital bag checklist covers the rest.
Questions parents ask
Is a caesarean free in a government hospital in India?
Yes. JSSK entitles pregnant women to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions.
What happens on PMSMA day?
On the 9th of every month, designated government facilities offer pregnant women in the second or third trimester a free check-up by a doctor or specialist, tests including one second-trimester ultrasound, supplements and identification of high-risk pregnancies.
What do the green and red stickers mean?
At PMSMA, a green sticker marks a pregnancy with no risk factor detected and a red sticker a high-risk pregnancy, so that you get the right follow-up.
How many days of free food do I get after delivery?
JSSK guidelines provide free diet for three days after a normal delivery and seven days after a caesarean, as restated by NHM Assam.
Sources
- MoHFW via PIB — Saving Mothers, Strengthening Futures (JSSK, SUMAN, PMSMA, March 2025) checked October 13, 2026
- MoHFW — Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, About checked October 13, 2026
- MoHFW — PMSMA portal (green and red stickers) checked October 13, 2026
- NHM Assam — Guideline for maternal health programme, FY 2024-26 (JSSK diet and transport) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.