Every year on April 7, we observe World Health Day. It reminds us to care for everyone's health, no matter where they live.
In 2025, the focus is on maternal and newborn health. This means making sure mothers and babies are safe and healthy during and after pregnancy.
Why this matters
Every year, more than 300,000 women around the world die because of problems during pregnancy or childbirth. Many of these deaths can be prevented with better care and support.
How Indian companies can help
In India, many women are part of the workforce. So, companies play an important role in supporting mothers at work.
The Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 gives working women the right to:
- 26 weeks of paid leave for their first two children
- Support for medical care before and after birth
- Creche (childcare) services at workplaces with 50 or more employees
- Protection from heavy physical work during and after pregnancy
- Job security while on maternity leave
But companies can do even more. By going beyond the law, they can create a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Ways companies can make a difference
To support maternal and newborn health, companies can take the following steps:
Raise Awareness
Teach employees about maternity rights and benefits.
Offer Full Support
Provide health coverage, check-ups, and access to childcare facilities.
Create Equal Opportunities
Make sure pregnancy does not affect a woman's career growth.
Be Flexible
Allow work-from-home options and flexible hours for parents.
Common questions employees ask their HR teams (and simple answers)
Pre-Natal Care
Q: Does the plan cover all tests and doctor visits?
A: Yes. Most maternity plans include check-ups, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other screenings.
Q: Are there any limits or exclusions?
A: Some plans may limit certain tests or only cover specific procedures. It's important to check the policy details.
Delivery Coverage
Q: What if someone needs a C-section? Is it fully covered?
A: Most plans cover both normal and C-section deliveries. This includes hospital stays and doctor fees.
Q: Are both delivery types covered the same way?
A: Usually yes, but some plans may have different limits. Always compare plans to be sure.
Maternity Coverage Limits
Q: What's a good coverage amount for delivery and newborn care?
A: Many companies offer coverage from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more, depending on the services included.
Q: Should we offer IVF or neonatal care in our plan?
A: If possible, yes. Including these services shows support for different paths to parenthood.
Hidden Costs
Q: Are there extra fees we should watch for?
A: Yes. Some plans limit room rent or may not cover private rooms. Look out for fine print and hidden costs.
Extra Benefits
Q: Does the plan include care after birth, like check-ups or baby vaccines?
A: Many good plans do. They cover follow-up visits, medicines, and some baby care services.
Q: Is mental health support for moms included?
A: Not always, but it's becoming more common. Offering this shows full care for new mothers.
Flexibility
Q: Can employees choose extra maternity benefits based on their needs?
A: Some plans offer add-ons like IVF support or stem cell preservation. Giving employees these options adds value.
What do Indian companies offer today?
Here's what most Indian employers currently provide through maternity insurance:
Pre-Natal care
Covers doctor visits, ultrasounds, blood tests, and check-ups during pregnancy.
Delivery costs
Covers both normal and C-section deliveries, including hospital and doctor fees.
Post-Natal care
Includes follow-up doctor visits, medicines, and recovery support.
Newborn care
Covers early vaccinations, baby hospital care, and treatment for medical conditions at birth.
IVF and fertility support
Some insurance plans now cover IVF and other fertility treatments. These may come with waiting periods and coverage limits.
Stem cell preservation
A few plans cover the cost of preserving the baby's stem cells for possible future medical use.
Final Thoughts
Supporting mothers and newborns is not just about following rules—it's about building a better workplace.
On World Health Day 2025, let's make a real commitment. Companies can help create safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for parents. When we care for moms and babies, we invest in a brighter future for everyone.
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