Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) ID and Maternity Benefits in Tamil Nadu
What is RCH ID?
The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) ID is a unique identification number assigned to married or pregnant women aged 15 to 49 in Tamil Nadu. This ID is essential for tracking pregnancies and ensuring comprehensive health care throughout a woman’s reproductive life.
Issuance of RCH ID
- Who Issues the RCH ID?
The RCH ID is issued by the Village Health Nurse (VHN) or Urban Health Nurse (UHN). - Timeline for Issuance
The issuance of RCH ID typically takes up to one month, depending on the area and availability of the VHN/UHN.
Importance of RCH ID
- Compulsory Registration
In Tamil Nadu, it is mandatory to register all pregnancies and obtain an RCH ID. Without this ID, a mother cannot obtain a birth certificate. - Pre-Registration for Subsequent Pregnancies
If a woman has an existing RCH ID and becomes pregnant again, she must pre-register her pregnancy using the same RCH ID.
Pre-Registration Process
- What is Pre-Registration?
Pre-registration allows pregnant women to inform the authorities about their pregnancy in advance. This facilitates a smoother registration process. - Methods of Pre-Registration
Pregnant women can pre-register in the following ways:- Online: Visit PICME and fill in the required details.
- e-Seva Centres: Approach a nearby e-Seva centre for free pre-registration.
- Call Centre (102): Call the toll-free number 102 for registration.
- Government Hospitals: Pre-register at the nearest government hospital.
- Administrative Unit Selection
When pre-registering, choose the block where you reside. If your village isn’t listed, select a nearby village or street. - Troubleshooting
If you don’t receive an OTP, try again later. If there are errors in your name during pre-registration, correct them with the VHN/UHN during the registration process.
Additional Guidelines
- No Address Proof Needed
Address proof is not necessary for pre-registration, though Aadhaar numbers are required for maternity benefits. - Registration for Migrants
If you are a migrant from another state or country, register with the VHN/UHN in the area where you plan to deliver. - Registration in Private Hospitals
Regardless of whether you are delivering in a private hospital, pre-registration through PICME is necessary.
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme
The Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme offers financial assistance to eligible pregnant women. The benefits are provided in installments:
- 1st Instalment: ₹2,000 for antenatal registration within 12 weeks.
- 1st Kind Benefit: ₹2,000 for a nutrition kit upon completion of the third month.
- 2nd Instalment: ₹2,000 after four months, subject to specified conditions.
- 2nd Kind Benefit: ₹2,000 for a second nutrition kit upon completion of the fourth month.
- 3rd Instalment: ₹4,000 after delivery in a government health facility.
- 4th Instalment: ₹4,000 after completion of all required vaccinations (OPV/Rota/Penta valent and IPV).
- 5th Instalment: ₹2,000 after the infant receives the Measles Rubella vaccination between 9 to 12 months.
Total Benefit Amount: ₹18,000
Address Proof for Maternity Benefits
To avail of the maternity benefits, provide any of the following address proofs:
- Bank Passbook with photo
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- MGNREGS Job Card
- Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Card
- Any other government-issued photo ID