REPORT ON SNEHA REFERRAL MODEL IMPLEMENTED IN MUMBAI

The report discusses the SNEHA referral model implemented in Mumbai to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes within the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). The initiative addresses challenges in the public health system, including fragmented communication between health facilities, lack of standardized referral protocols, and overburdened tertiary care centers. It integrates an evidence-based approach with participatory engagement of healthcare providers, administrative support, and community empowerment.

The referral model operates on key pillars such as developing clinical protocols, establishing functional referral linkages, and fostering provider collaboration through regular meetings. Referral slips and data collection enable systematic tracking, streamlining patient transfers between health facilities. Customization of the protocol ensures alignment with local healthcare infrastructure and capabilities, preventing inappropriate referrals and improving care delivery.

The model's implementation involved training healthcare providers, organizing referral meetings, and creating buy-in from stakeholders. It faced challenges like procedural delays, insufficient institutional support, and initial resistance from providers. However, its participatory and appreciative approach encouraged provider ownership, enhanced communication, and improved service utilization at peripheral hospitals.

The outcomes demonstrate better coordination across healthcare levels, empowered providers, and increased accountability. Despite successes, the report emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, external facilitation for data management, and policy integration to sustain and scale the model in other urban regions. The initiative highlights the potential of collaborative frameworks in addressing systemic health challenges in resource-constrained settings.