PICME Scheme – A Complete Guide for Tamil Nadu’s Pregnancy Care System
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and important journeys in a woman’s life. During this time, a mother deserves proper medical care, emotional support, and government assistance to ensure both her health and her baby’s well-being. The Government of Tamil Nadu has introduced a special digital platform called PICME (Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation) to make sure every pregnant woman in the state gets timely care and support.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the PICME scheme—its objectives, registration process, benefits, and how it plays a vital role in improving maternal and child health across Tamil Nadu.
What is the PICME Scheme?
The PICME scheme is a state-level initiative launched by the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu. The program is designed to monitor the health of pregnant women from the early stages of pregnancy until the baby’s birth and even beyond.
Every pregnant woman is given a unique PICME number, which helps the healthcare system track her medical records, antenatal visits, vaccination schedules, delivery details, and post-natal care.
Objectives of the PICME Scheme
The primary aim of the PICME scheme is to ensure safe motherhood and healthy infancy. Here are the main goals:
Digital tracking of pregnant women: To maintain a centralized database of all pregnancies in Tamil Nadu for better healthcare management. Reduce maternal and infant mortality: By providing timely healthcare interventions and hospital deliveries. Promote institutional deliveries: Encouraging safe childbirth in government or recognized private hospitals. Ensure continuous medical care: From pregnancy to post-delivery, every woman receives scheduled check-ups and vaccinations. Financial assistance through Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme (MRMBS): Women registered under PICME are eligible to receive cash benefits.
How to Register for PICME
Pregnant women can register for PICME in three easy ways:
1. Through Village Health Nurse (VHN):
This is the most common method. The local VHN or ANM nurse visits pregnant women in their village or area and helps them complete the registration process. The nurse collects details such as name, address, Aadhaar number, and expected delivery date.
2. Through the Nearest Government Hospital:
Women can directly visit their nearest government hospital or Primary Health Centre (PHC) and ask for PICME registration. Hospital staff will guide them through the process and provide a temporary PICME number.
3. Through Online Self-Registration:
Women can also register themselves through the official website https://picme.tn.gov.in.
Here’s how:
Visit the official site. Click on “Pre-Registration by Public.” Fill in your basic details including name, address, and contact number. Choose a convenient time for your VHN visit. After submission, you’ll receive a PICME acknowledgment number.
Once verified by the local health officer, a Permanent RCH ID (Reproductive and Child Health ID) will be generated.
Documents Required for PICME Registration
To register under the PICME scheme, you need:
Aadhaar card Address proof (ration card, voter ID, etc.) Bank account details Mobile number Marriage certificate (if available) Pregnancy confirmation report
All these details help the system link your health record for future medical and financial benefits.
Benefits of PICME Registration
Registering under the PICME scheme brings several advantages to expecting mothers:
1. Free Health Check-ups
Women receive regular antenatal check-ups, blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, and ultrasound scans at government hospitals. This ensures the pregnancy is progressing safely.
2. Safe Institutional Delivery
Women are encouraged and guided to deliver in government hospitals where skilled medical staff and emergency facilities are available.
3. Cash Benefits through MRMBS
Women registered in PICME automatically become eligible for the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme, under which they can receive up to ₹18,000 in multiple installments for nutrition and medical needs.
4. Post-Delivery Care
The program tracks the mother’s recovery and provides free post-natal check-ups, vaccination schedules, and nutritional guidance.
5. Immunization for the Newborn
The child’s vaccination details are linked to the mother’s PICME ID, ensuring complete immunization coverage without missing any doses.
6. Digital Health Record
All medical data is stored digitally, helping doctors access past health records anytime. This also reduces paperwork and duplication.
PICME and Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme (MRMBS)
One of the biggest advantages of PICME registration is the link with MRMBS, which provides financial support to pregnant women, especially those from economically weaker sections. The amount is disbursed in stages:
₹2,000 at the time of registration before 12 weeks. ₹4,000 after the 3rd month of pregnancy for nutrition support. ₹4,000 after delivery in government hospitals. ₹4,000 after completion of all child immunizations. ₹4,000 after the child’s first birthday.
This financial support helps mothers manage their dietary needs, hospital expenses, and baby care essentials.
How PICME Improves Public Health
The PICME scheme isn’t just about registration—it’s a data-driven public health system. By monitoring every pregnancy in the state, health officers can:
Identify high-risk pregnancies early. Provide emergency support where needed. Analyze health data to improve maternal health policies. Ensure that every baby is born under medical supervision.
This initiative has helped Tamil Nadu maintain one of the lowest maternal and infant mortality rates in India.
Common Questions about PICME
1. Is PICME registration mandatory?
Yes. In Tamil Nadu, all pregnant women must register under PICME to access government maternity benefits and health care.
2. What if I miss registration?
Late registration may delay financial benefits, but you can still register anytime during pregnancy.
3. Can I update my details later?
Yes. You can update address, contact number, or bank details by visiting your local health centre.
Conclusion
The PICME scheme is a remarkable step by the Tamil Nadu Government to safeguard maternal and child health. By combining technology with on-ground healthcare services, the program ensures that every mother receives care, support, and financial aid at the right time.
If you or someone you know is pregnant in Tamil Nadu, register immediately on the PICME portal or at your nearest health centre. This small step can make a huge difference in ensuring a safe, healthy, and happy motherhood journey.
