As part of the SPARSHA: First 1000 Days of Life implementation research, KHPT and St. John’s, in collaboration with the District Health and Family Welfare Department, piloted virtual teleconsultation support during the Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (e-PMSMA) Day on 24 June across four public health facilities in Chitradurga district, Karnataka.

The pilot facilitated virtual consultations by Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ObG) specialists for high-risk pregnancy (HRP) cases identified at peripheral health facilities during the e-PMSMA sessions. The initiative aimed to strengthen timely clinical decision-making and improve access to specialist care for pregnant women in underserved areas.

A total of 32 high-risk pregnant women attended the four facilities during the e-PMSMA Day and based on clinical assessments by Medical Officers, complex cases were referred for virtual ObG specialist consultations, which were facilitated by healthcare staff at the facilities.

The pilot demonstrates the potential of digital health innovations to strengthen primary healthcare systems by improving access to specialist expertise, supporting frontline healthcare providers, and enhancing the quality of maternal healthcare. Such approaches can contribute to better maternal and newborn health outcomes, particularly in underserved settings.