The Centre has launched a new digital platform called JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) aimed at transforming maternal and child healthcare delivery across India. This platform enables tracking of pregnancies, deliveries, and newborn care nationwide.
Key Features of JANANI
A standout feature is the QR-based digital mother and child health card, which allows doctors to instantly access medical records even if a patient moves to another state. This is particularly beneficial for migrant families who often face disruptions in continuity of care.
JANANI is an upgraded version of the government's Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal. It creates a longitudinal digital health record for every woman during her reproductive years, covering the full cycle from pregnancy and delivery to postnatal and newborn care, along with family planning.
Unlike the earlier RCH system, JANANI offers real-time tracking, QR-based digital records, and integration with other health programmes. This allows continuous monitoring and timely intervention.
Expert Insights
Dr. Rahul Manchanda, Hon. Senior Consultant (Endoscopic Gynecology) at PSRI Hospital, stated: "This can improve key indicators such as maternal and neonatal mortality rates. A major benefit is portability of digital health records, especially for migrant populations, allowing continuity of care across states and cities. At the same time, strong safeguards must be in place to protect patient data and ensure records are accessed only by authorised personnel. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act should also incorporate robust protections for such healthcare platforms."
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
Officials noted that JANANI will help ensure pregnant women and newborns do not miss critical check-ups, vaccinations, or follow-ups. The system generates alerts and reminders and provides real-time dashboards for monitoring and targeted interventions. It can flag high-risk pregnancies early, allowing doctors to intervene in time and reduce complications.
Integration with Other Programmes
The platform integrates with other national programmes such as U-WIN (which tracks immunisation) and POSHAN (which focuses on nutrition and child health), improving coordination across services. Women can register using Aadhaar, ABHA, or a mobile number, and can also self-register through mobile or web platforms.
Current Reach
So far, over 1.34 crore beneficiaries have been registered, including more than 30 lakh pregnant women, with over 30 lakh digital health cards generated. Officials said the aim is to strengthen last-mile delivery of healthcare and ensure that no mother or child falls through the cracks, especially in vulnerable and mobile populations.
