Four Public Health Institutions in the State Earn N.Q.A.S. Accreditation new
Four health institutions in the state have received accreditation under the National Quality Assurance Standards (N.Q.A.S.). National Quality Assurance Standards (N.Q.A.S.) accreditation is a certification provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, under the National Health Mission (NHM). It is designed to ensure that public healthcare facilities deliver high-quality services and meet specified standards. Among them, the Alayamon Family Health Center in Kollam district achieved an impressive score of 94.77%. The other accredited centers are the Koramkodu Public Health Center in Thiruvananthapuram (85.83%), the Cutting Plantation Public Health Center in Ernakulam (88.47%), and the Vadakkanad Public Health Center in Wayanad (90.55%).
This marks the first time that Public Health Centers in the state have received national quality certification. As part of the Ardram Mission in 2023, 5,415 Public Health Centers were established across the state. These centers are equipped with enhanced infrastructure, modern equipment, essential health services, 36 types of medicines, and 10 types of lab tests. The government aims to strengthen healthcare services at the ward level through these centers. The N.Q.A.S. accreditation received by these centers is a recognition of the government's efforts in improving healthcare. More Public Health Centers are preparing to achieve N.Q.A.S. accreditation in the near future. The N.Q.A.S. accreditation is valid for three years, after which a national review will be conducted, with additional annual inspections at the state level.
As of now, 197 hospitals in the state have received N.Q.A.S. accreditation, with 83 hospitals being re-accredited. This includes 5 district hospitals, 4 taluk hospitals, 11 social health centers, 41 urban primary health centers, 133 family health centers, and 3 Public Health Centers that have earned N.Q.A.S. certification, showcasing excellence in healthcare. Accredited Family Health Centers will receive an annual incentive of ₹2 lakh each, while Public Health Centers will receive ₹18,000 per package. Other hospitals will receive ₹10,000 per bed annually as part of the incentive.
