PICME Overview

The Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) is a system to ensure that pregnant women receive the best essential care and support during their pregnancy journey. PICME is a crucial initiative taken by Tamil Nadu government aimed at supporting and monitoring the health of pregnant women and infants.

In this article, we will explore how PICME system helps monitor the health of both mothers and infants, providing access to nutrition, maternity care and medical services. We’ll also discuss how pregnant women can register for PICME, the benefits of the program, and how PICME contributes to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates. We will also learn how PICME registration connects to and facilitates with benefits under various government schemes of Tamil Nadu.

What is PICME?

PICME full form is Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation. PICME is an online portal developed by the Tamil Nadu Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. It was created to streamline the health tracking of pregnant women and ensure access to healthcare facilities and schemes. Through PICME, registered mothers receive vital health services and benefits, significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

  • Purpose: To provide continuous monitoring and healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns.
  • Objective: Facilitate government assistance to registered mothers through programs like the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme (MRMBS).

What is the PICME Number?

A PICME Number is a unique identification number assigned to each registered pregnant woman under PICME. This number is essential to track the pregnancy and avail benefits. Once registered, expectant mothers are provided with this unique number, which is necessary for claiming benefits and accessing healthcare facilities.

PICME 2.0

PICME 2.0 was an upgraded version of the original portal that introduced additional features for improved tracking and management of maternal and infant health records. This update aimed to make data entry and accessibility easier for healthcare workers and officials.

PICME 3.0

PICME 3.0 is the latest version, offering a more user-friendly interface, integrated data tracking, and enhanced security. This version includes comprehensive data on maternal and infant care, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s goal to improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and newborns.

Importance of PICME Registration

Registering with PICME is critical for pregnant women in Tamil Nadu as it allows for:

  • Tracking Pregnancy Health: Ensures regular monitoring of pregnancy stages and health checkups.
  • Access to Government Schemes: PICME registration is mandatory for availing benefits under schemes like MRMBS.
  • Reducing Maternal Mortality: By promoting regular checkups, PICME aids in lowering health risks for mothers and infants.
  • Efficient Data Collection: The government uses PICME to analyze health data, helping plan better healthcare initiatives.

Benefits of PICME Registration

  1. Access to Financial Benefits: Registered women are eligible for benefits under the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme (MRMBS), which provides financial assistance during pregnancy.
  2. Free Medical Checkups: Regular checkups and treatments are facilitated through government health centres.
  3. Health Tracking and Support: The system allows for effective monitoring of prenatal, delivery, and postnatal stages.
  4. Integrated CRS Registration: Automatically registers births in the Civil Registration System (CRS) for easy access to birth certificates.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme (MRMBS)

The Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme is a financial assistance program under PICME that provides cash benefits to registered mothers. The assistance amount is disbursed in phases to cover essential needs during and after pregnancy.

  • Eligibility: Available to women registered with PICME who fulfil other scheme-specific criteria.
  • Benefits: The scheme provides up to ₹18,000 in financial aid, ensuring that mothers can afford nutritious food and healthcare.

Eligibility for PICME Registration

  • Who Can Register: All pregnant women residing in Tamil Nadu are eligible to register with PICME.
  • When to Register: Ideally, registration should be done early in the pregnancy to avail of timely benefits.

Documents Required for PICME Registration

Document Type

Examples / Purpose

Proof of Identity

Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or any government-issued ID

Proof of Address

Ration card, utility bill, or any other valid address proof

Medical Records

Any relevant pregnancy-related health records

Bank Account Details

Required for direct benefit transfers under MRMBS

How to Register for PICME

There are multiple ways to register with PICME, making the process accessible for all.

Direct Registration by physical visit

The easiest way to register for PICME is by contacting the Village Health Nurse (VHN) or Urban Health Nurse (UHN) in your area.

  • Step 1: The expectant mother visits the nearest Health Sub-Centre or Primary Health Centre to meet with the VHN or UHN.
  • Step 2: The VHN/UHN verifies the pregnancy and collects essential information, such as contact details, medical history, and personal information.
  • Step 3: Using this information, the nurse generates an RCH ID by entering the details into the PICME system.
  • Step 4: A confirmation SMS with the RCH ID is sent to the registered mobile number.

Online Registration on the PICME Portal

  1. Visit the PICME Website: Go to picme.tn.gov.in.
  2. Select ‘New PICME Registration’: Enter the necessary details such as name, address, and contact information.
  3. Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of the required documents.
  4. Submit: A PICME Number will be generated upon successful submission.

PICME Pre-registration Methods

Through e-Seva Centers:

Expectant mothers can pre-register their pregnancy free of charge at the nearest e-Seva centre. The centre staff will assist with entering the required information, and a Pre-Registration ID will be provided.

PICME Pre-registration via Call

Expectant mothers can complete pre-registration over the phone by calling the toll-free number 102. Once the necessary information is provided, an SMS with a Pre-Registration ID will be sent.

Public Health Facilities:

Expectant mothers may also pre-register at the nearest government hospital, where staff will guide them through the registration process. After pre-registration, the woman’s details are forwarded to the assigned VHN/UHN, who will reach out to complete the registration and issue an RCH ID.

How to Check Status of PICME Registration

To track your registration status:

  1. Visit the PICME Website: Go to picme.tn.gov.in.
  2. Select ‘PICME Login’: Enter your credentials.
  3. Check Status: You can view the current status of your PICME registration and verify your PICME Number.

PICME and CRS Integration

The integration of PICME with the Civil Registration System (CRS) simplifies birth registration. This system allows for seamless birth certificate issuance, with all newborns of registered mothers automatically included in the CRS. This integration ensures comprehensive health tracking and simplifies administrative processes.

Conclusion

  1. PICME is a transformative welfare program which has enhanced health care services for mothers and infants in Tamil Nadu
  2. It has simplified access to various government benefits and ensures healthcare support at every pregnancy stage.
  3. Registering with PICME is crucial for pregnant women, not only for access to healthcare & financial benefits but also to be a part of a system that prioritizes the well-being of mothers and children.

PICME FAQs

What is the user ID in PICME?

The user ID in PICME is the unique ID assigned to healthcare staff and other authorized personnel for secure log in to the PICME system.

How to get a PICME number?

You can get a PICME number by registering through the PICME portal, an E-Seva centre, or a local health facility.

What is the PICME number?

The PICME number is a unique identification number assigned to each registered pregnant woman for tracking and accessing benefits.

How to check the PICME number status?

Log in to the PICME portal to check your PICME number status.

What is RCH ID?

RCH ID stands for Reproductive and Child Health ID, a unique number provided under the National Health Mission for tracking maternal and child health services.

What is Pre-Registration, and why is it required?

Pre-registration simplifies the full registration process, allowing mothers to receive timely care and avoid delays.

How to do Pre-Registration for PICME?

Pre-registration can be done online on the PICME portal, at E-Seva centres, or through public health facilities.

What if my village/street is not listed during pre-registration?

Contact the nearest health facility or use the PICME helpline for assistance with registration.

Will I get an Acknowledgement once Pre-Registration is Completed?

Yes, an acknowledgement receipt is generated after successful pre-registration.

How to correct my name in the pre-registration?

Contact the PICME support team or visit the registration centre to correct errors.

Is Mother’s Aadhaar Compulsory for registering Pregnancy?

While it is generally recommended, alternative IDs are accepted if Aadhaar is unavailable.

Will I receive any Amount for Pre-Registration?

No, benefits are provided only after full registration and eligibility verification under schemes like MRMBS.

I moved to my mother’s place for delivery; where should I register?

Register at the nearest health facility in your current location.

Is Address Proof necessary for registering in PICME?

Yes, valid address proof is required for full registration.

Should Sri Lankan refugees register with PICME?

Yes, Sri Lankan refugees residing in Tamil Nadu are encouraged to register to receive healthcare benefits.

How to re-download the lost Pre-Registered application?

Log in to the PICME portal and access your registration to download the acknowledgement again.