All About PICME Registration & Birth Certificates

India has made significant strides in improving public health, particularly for women and children. One such initiative in Tamil Nadu is the PICME (Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation) system. Designed to provide seamless tracking of pregnant women and newborns, PICME plays a vital role in promoting maternal and child health services. This article aims to shed light on PICME registration and the role it plays in securing birth certificates for newborns.

What is PICME?

PICME is a government-mandated initiative in Tamil Nadu, primarily used to monitor and manage the health of pregnant women. It is an essential step in ensuring that expecting mothers receive proper prenatal care, and their children receive timely immunizations and other health interventions.

This system is particularly focused on providing services like antenatal check-ups, free deliveries in government hospitals, and cash benefits under the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme. By registering with PICME, pregnant women are given a 12-digit identification number (PICME number) that helps them track their health records and avail of various government benefits throughout their pregnancy.

The Importance of PICME Registration

The PICME registration is crucial for a number of reasons:

1. Access to Government Health Services: Registered women gain access to vital maternal health services, including antenatal check-ups, iron supplements, vaccinations, and assistance during childbirth. These services are designed to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure the health of both mother and child.

2. Financial Benefits: Upon registration, women are eligible to receive financial assistance under the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme. This includes cash incentives provided at different stages of pregnancy, ensuring that mothers can afford essential healthcare without financial burden.

3. Birth Certificate Link: Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of PICME registration is that it is linked directly to the issuance of birth certificates for newborns. Without a PICME number, obtaining a birth certificate becomes difficult, thereby impacting the legal recognition of a child’s birth.

How to Register for PICME

Pregnant women can register for PICME in a number of ways:

– Through Village Health Nurses (VHNs): These healthcare professionals visit homes in their local communities, ensuring that women are informed about PICME and helping them with the registration process.

– Online Registration: Women can also register for PICME via the official PICME website. The process involves filling out personal and pregnancy-related details. After registration, a 12-digit PICME number is generated, which can be used to track health services.

– Anganwadi Centers: These community centers often assist in PICME registration and ensure that the necessary paperwork and formalities are completed.

PICME and Birth Certificates

Once a woman is registered with PICME, she becomes eligible for various maternal health services, including the registration of her child’s birth. After childbirth, the hospital or health center where the delivery occurs issues a medical certificate of birth. This certificate, along with the PICME number, is used to obtain an official birth certificate from the local municipal corporation.

Steps for Obtaining a Birth Certificate

1. PICME Registration: The mother must be registered with PICME during her pregnancy.

2. Delivery: After the child is born, the hospital issues a medical birth certificate.

3. Submission: The medical birth certificate and PICME number are submitted to the local corporation office.

4. Issuance: The birth certificate is issued by the local governing body.

PICME registration not only ensures that pregnant women receive essential healthcare but also facilitates the smooth issuance of birth certificates. This system has streamlined maternal and child healthcare in Tamil Nadu, ensuring that both mothers and newborns have access to timely services and legal documentation.