'Mamta Card' Shortage Cripples Maternal and Child Health Services in Udaipur

Udaipur-  A severe shortage of Maa Mamta Cards at Anganwadi centers across the district has disrupted essential healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns. For the past two months, the unavailability of these critical cards has hampered routine check-ups, immunizations, and health monitoring for mothers and infants.

Hospitals like Pannadhay Janana Hospital and other government health centers are struggling to maintain proper medical records of expecting mothers due to the absence of Mamta Cards. Health workers are finding it difficult to track vital health data, leading to delayed or missed check-ups.

Anganwadi and ASHA workers report that in many cases, crucial tests and vaccinations are being postponed simply because the cards are unavailable. Some workers have resorted to makeshift solutions, such as creating photocopied versions, but these are only temporary fixes.

The printing and distribution of Mamta Cards are managed at the state headquarters. Department officials cited "technical issues" for the delay but assured that a fresh supply is expected by early May. Once received, the cards will be promptly distributed to all Anganwadi centers.

Why Are Mamta Cards Crucial?

The Mamta cards are issued under the Indira Gandhi Matritva Poshan Yojana, a Rajasthan government initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children up to three years of age. The Mamta Card is a vital document that tracks a pregnant woman’s health and her child’s development from birth up to 16 years. It includes records of:

• Prenatal check-ups

• Blood tests, weight, and hemoglobin levels

• Iron and folic acid supplements

• Sonography reports

• Vaccination schedules and growth milestones

With the cards missing, healthcare providers fear a rise in unchecked complications and incomplete immunizations, putting vulnerable mothers and children at risk. As the wait for fresh stock continues, health workers urge authorities to expedite the process before the situation worsens. For now, pregnant women and newborns remain at the mercy of an incomplete system, hoping for a swift resolution.

What is the Indira Gandhi Matritva Poshan Yojana?

The Indira Gandhi Matritva Poshan Yojana is a Rajasthan government initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children up to three years of age. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a "Maa Mamta Card," which enables them to access financial assistance, nutritional counseling, and food supplements.

Launched in November 2020, the scheme was initially implemented in five tribal districts—Pratapgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, and Baran. Later, in 2022-23, it was expanded to all 33 districts of Rajasthan.

Key Benefits

• Cash Assistance: Eligible women receive ₹6,000 in five installments directly into their bank accounts upon fulfilling specified conditions. The installments are structured as follows:

  • 1st Installment: ₹1,000

  • 2nd Installment: ₹1,000

  • 3rd Installment: ₹1,000

  • 4th Installment: ₹2,000

  • 5th Installment: ₹1,000

• Nutritional Support: The scheme ensures proper dietary care through supplements and counseling.

• Mamta Card: Acts as a vital record for tracking maternal and child health, including vaccinations, check-ups, and growth milestones.