The Tamil Nadu government has set up a digital system known as the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation programme, or PICME, which is accessed through the PICME login in portal. It follows the course of a woman’s pregnancy step by step, making sure she receives the care she requires at the proper moment.
Women may enrol through the internet or at a public health centre. After completing registration and logging in, they gain access to medical examinations without cost, assistance during delivery in hospital, and other services designed to prevent maternal deaths and to promote safe childbirth. The scheme is linked with the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme, which provides financial help during pregnancy.
Why Sign Up for PICME in Tamil Nadu
Enrolling on the PICME site is vital for every expectant mother in Tamil Nadu. It safeguards her health from conception through recovery after birth. By ensuring timely check-ups and vaccinations, both mother and child are kept safe.
After enrolment, an RCH number (Reproductive Child Health ID) is issued. This number records medical history and gives access to benefits. It also simplifies the process of obtaining a birth certificate and other papers. Registration further guarantees the support of a Village Health Nurse, who visits, advises, and oversees care throughout pregnancy.
PICME Explained – Tamil Nadu’s Digital Pregnancy Care Program
PICME stands for Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation. It is a system created by the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Tamil Nadu to follow the health of expectant mothers. The purpose is to observe every stage, from early pregnancy to the weeks after delivery, so that mother and child may remain safe.
Advantages of Using the PICME Portal
By working with doctors and nurses, the programme helps to identify risks at an early stage and to ensure proper follow-up. It makes certain that no woman misses her appointments, tests, or vaccinations. Medical help is available at once in an emergency. It also allows mothers to claim support under maternity benefit schemes. After birth, the system is required for the issue of the child’s certificate of birth.
From the legal side, registration under PICME is necessary because it gives the Reproductive Child Health ID. This number is needed to obtain official documents and to secure a range of government benefits.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for PICME Registration?
Any pregnant woman living in Tamil Nadu may place her name in the PICME system. Women who are preparing to conceive may also register in advance. The applicant must be a resident of the state, or at least a temporary resident, for the period of the pregnancy. There is no rule of age or income that bars entry. It is advised, though not strictly required, to hold an Aadhaar card or other recognised identity paper in order to claim benefits from the state.
Documents Needed for PICME Registration
To make the process quick and without error, women are urged to have the following papers at hand:
Required Documents
- Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Ration Card as proof of identity
- Utility bill, Aadhaar, Ration Card, or rental agreement as proof of address
- A slip or report confirming pregnancy (not compulsory)
Optional Papers for Welfare Schemes
- Bank passbook, for direct payment of aid
- A small passport-sized photograph
- Records of past illness, in cases of high-risk pregnancy or long-term condition
Note: Aadhaar is not demanded by law, but it is advised, since it makes checking faster and access to schemes more simple.
PICME Enrollment Methods: Online, Offline & Mobile App
There are three ways to enrol in the PICME system:
A. Online Self-Registration
Any woman with access to the internet may register herself on the official PICME site. The process is simple.
Steps:
1. Visit the portal at https://picme3.tn.gov.in/api/react2/
2. Select the option “Pre-registration by Public”
3. Enter your personal details, including name, address, and pregnancy information
4. Choose a convenient time for a visit from the Village Health Nurse (VHN)
5. Submit the form to receive a Pre-registration number (PICME ID)
6. A message will be sent by SMS with the PICME number, which is later used to create the RCH ID
B. Offline Registration
For women without internet, there are several offline routes.
Options include:
Meeting the Village Health Nurse, either during her visit to your home or at a local point. She will take your details and enter them into the system
- Registering at the nearest Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC)
- Approaching a Common Service Centre (CSC), where trained staff will assist with entry
- Seeking help at government or private hospitals, many of which provide this service at the time of consultation
- Calling 102, the PICME helpline, for information and guidance
With the aid of the VHN, women may also update their records, receive advice during pregnancy, and obtain help in creating the RCH ID.
C. PICME Registration via Mobile App
A simple way to register for PICME is through the PICME Parental App on your phone. The app makes it possible to follow your pregnancy and to keep a record of the care you receive.
Main Functions of the App
- Update and view personal and pregnancy details
- Track dates of antenatal care (ANC) check-ups
- Receive reminders for vaccinations and visits
- Check your RCH ID status and records at any time
The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Register with your mobile number and follow the steps to create your PICME profile.
RCH ID in PICME – Meaning, Benefits, and How to Get It
Once registration is complete, whether online, offline, or through the app, the next step is to secure the RCH ID (Reproductive Child Health ID).
What is an RCH ID?
It is a single number that:
- Records the health of the mother and child
- Grants access to maternity schemes run by the government
- Speeds up the issue of birth certificates after delivery
How to Get RCH ID?
1. First, complete your PICME registration, whether online, offline, or through the mobile app
2. The Village Health Nurse (VHN) will then visit your home to confirm the details you have given
3. Once the check is finished, the RCH ID will be sent to you by SMS or made available online
4. You may also log in to the portal with your PICME number to download the RCH ID directly
This number is required to claim maternity benefits from the government, and it is also needed to record the birth of your child officially.
Step-by-Step Guide for PICME Login In
After receiving your pre-registration number or RCH ID, you may use the PICME login in portal to view or update your personal and pregnancy records.
How to Login to PICME Portal
Follow these steps:
1. Open the official PICME site
2. Select “Login” at the top right of the page
3. Type your User ID, which is either the RCH ID or the pre-registration number
4. Enter the password created at the time of registration, or given by the Village Health Nurse
5. Fill in the captcha code and press “Submit”
Once you complete the PICME login in, you may edit your pregnancy details, check your appointment schedule, and download the documents you require.
How to Reset Forgotten Password
1. On the login page, choose the option “Forgot Password”
2. Enter your registered phone number or email address
3. An OTP will be sent to confirm your identity
4. Follow the instructions to set a new password
Checking PICME Registration Status
1. Go to the official PICME site
2. Select “Pre-registration Application ID Status”
3. Enter your 12-digit pre-registration number
4. Press “Submit” to view the present status of your application
Conclusion
In a country where waiting in lines at government offices may be a Herculean undertaking, the PICME system of Tamil Nadu provides pregnant women with a digital escape route. You can be tech-savvy and go through the portal on your own, or you can opt to go through the personal touch of a Village Health Nurse, this program will not see any mother-to-be fall down the bureaucratic cracks. Three registration methods and full healthcare tracking prove that in some cases government innovation can, in fact, make life easier.
