Maharashtra Govt Mandates Anomaly Scan For High-Risk Pregnancies At 18–20 Weeks
Maharashtra Govt Mandates Anomaly Scan For High-Risk Pregnancies At 18–20 Weeks
Mumbai, February 24, 2026: The Maharashtra government has made anomaly scans compulsory for women classified as high-risk during pregnancy, aiming to curb infant deaths linked to congenital disorders. The Public Health Department issued a government resolution on February 17, directing that eligible women undergo the screening between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation.
An anomaly scan is an advanced ultrasound examination designed to detect multiple structural and genetic abnormalities in a developing fetus. Early identification of such conditions enables timely medical care, specialised delivery planning, or, where legally permissible, termination of pregnancy.
Who Falls Under ‘High-Risk’ Category?
Health authorities define high-risk pregnancies to include very young mothers; women whose earlier child had congenital defects; those with repeated miscarriages or stillbirths suspected to involve abnormalities; and mothers with medical conditions such as pre-gestational diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, uncontrolled thyroid disorders, obesity, severe anemia, folic acid deficiency, or excess Vitamin A.
Implementation Across Public and Private Hospitals
The directive applies to both government-run and private healthcare institutions. High-risk women can avail of the scan free of charge at public hospitals. However, those choosing private facilities will need to bear the cost. Officials noted that private hospitals handle nearly half of antenatal and postnatal services in the state, making uniform enforcement essential.
District health officers and civil surgeons have been tasked with overseeing compliance. Medical bodies including the Indian Medical Association and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India have been asked to assist in spreading awareness and ensuring adherence.
Rising Concern Over Congenital Anomalies
The move follows a review of child mortality data over the past three years, which showed congenital anomalies consistently ranking among the top causes of child deaths in the state. Official figures indicate that such conditions accounted for 6.34% of child deaths in 2023–24, increasing to 6.6% in 2024–25 and 6.7% in 2025–26 (up to October 2025).
Current Data
Between April and November 2025, the state identified 96,620 high-risk pregnancies. Of these, 3,625 women underwent anomaly scans. Fetal abnormalities were detected in 216 cases, and 177 pregnancies were medically terminated, according to health department data.
Officials believe the mandatory screening policy will strengthen early intervention efforts and help reduce preventable infant mortality across the state.
