Empowering the Community to Manage Diabetes Better: An Integrated Partnership-Based Model

CONTEXT: Rising number of diabetes cases in India calls for collaboration between the public and private sectors. AIMS: Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) partnered with Eli Lilly and Company (India) [Eli Lilly] to strengthen the capacity of their diabetes clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical Officers, dispensaries and Assistant Medical Officers (AMOs) located at attached health posts were trained on an educational tool, Diabetes Conversation Map™ (DCM) by a Master Trainer. This tool was then used to educate patients and caregivers visiting the MCGM diabetes clinics. RESULTS: Twenty-eight centers conducted 168 sessions, and 1616 beneficiaries availed the education over six months. General feedback from health providers was that DCM helps clear misconceptions among patients and caregivers in an interactive way and also improves compliance of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This communication highlights a unique public-private partnership where the sincere efforts of public sector organization (MCGM) were complemented by the educational expertise lent by a private firm.