Bringing evidence into public health policy 2024

Introduction: Maternal health remains a pressing issue in India, necessitating robust governance structures and institutional frameworks.India continues to grapple with a high maternal mortality rate, emphasising the need for effective policies and well-structured implementation mechanisms.Launched in 2017 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) stands as a pivotal initiative aimed at supporting maternal health through providing pre-natal care, postnatal care and financial support to pregnant and lactating women.This paper explores the governance structures and institutional frameworks underpinning PMMVY, offering insights into its effectiveness in addressing maternal health challenges in India.Methodology: This study employed a qualitative approach, utilising document analysis and stakeholder interviews to investigate the evaluation encompassed programme reach, utilisation, and impact on antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and postpartum health.Secondary document analysis involved examining policy documents, reports, and guidelines related to PMMVY to understand its objectives and operational framework.The primary data collection was conducted in the rural areas of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, as the district, being the most populous in the state, provided a representative setting for understanding the study objectives.Stakeholder interviews with government officials, healthcare providers, Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs and beneficiaries (Pregnant and Lactating women) provide perspectives on the implementation, challenges, and outcomes of PMMVY.Findings: The analysis reveals that PMMVY has significantly strengthened governance and institutional frameworks for maternal health in India.It has streamlined beneficiary identification processes, improved healthcare accessibility, and enhanced financial support for pregnant and lactating women.Stakeholders acknowledge the initiative's positive impact on reducing maternal mortality rates and improving maternal healthcare utilisation across various states.Challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, reaching marginalised sections, timely disbursement of financial support and uneven implementation persist.Strengthening monitoring mechanisms and community engagement is crucial for sustained impact.Conclusion: In conclusion, PMMVY serves as a crucial pillar in India's efforts to bolster maternal health governance and institutional frameworks.By providing financial support and healthcare services, the initiative has contributed to improving maternal health outcomes and empowering women economically.Moving forward, sustained commitment to addressing implementation challenges and enhancing accountability will be essential to maximize the initiative's impact nationwide.As India continues its journey towards achieving maternal health targets, lessons from PMMVY underscore the importance of effective governance and institutional support in fostering positive health outcomes for mothers and children.