In a decisive step to ensure timely emergency care for mothers and newborns, the National Health Mission (NHM), Odisha, has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for referral and transportation of High‑Risk Pregnancy (HRP) and High‑Risk Postnatal (HRPNC) cases.
The SOP was unveiled during a training programme at the 108 Ambulance Services Office, Bhubaneswar. It establishes a seamless referral chain from identification to treatment, mapping every block to a designated First Referral Unit (FRU).
Once a high‑risk case is confirmed via a RED Card or danger signs, an ambulance is dispatched immediately while an SMS alert is sent to the referral nodal officer. This ensures the receiving facility is prepared in advance.
Mothers will travel with a signed referral slip, and handovers at health facilities will be digitally recorded with photographs and official signatures, reinforcing accountability and continuity of care.
The Department of Health & Family Welfare conducted the training, emphasising the importance of identifying maternity‑related emergencies. District authorities will monitor adherence to FRU tagging and review referral patterns, while EMRI Green Health Services will cascade the SOP to ambulance crews and field teams across Odisha.
