Achievement

Kerala has once again received national recognition for improving the quality of services in government health institutions. More public hospitals have received national-level National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) and LaQshya certifications. The recognition highlights the state’s efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths and provide free, quality healthcare.

Neyyattinkara General Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, has received both NQAS and LaQshya certifications. The hospital scored 98.11 per cent for the maternity operation theatre, 99.69 per cent for the labour room and 98.25 per cent under NQAS.

Chengannur District Hospital, Alappuzha, received LaQshya certification after scoring 91.64 per cent for the labour room and 90.06 per cent for the operation theatre. IMCH, Kozhikode Medical College, received LaQshya reaccreditation, scoring 96.50 per cent for the labour room and 98.84 per cent for the operation theatre.

The main objective of the LaQshya programme is to reduce maternal and child mortality and ensure safe and quality care for pregnant women and newborns during and after delivery. The programme focuses on safe and dignified maternity care, effective infection control and quality assurance in labour rooms and operation theatres. So far, 20 hospitals in Kerala, including three medical colleges, 13 district hospitals and four taluk hospitals, have received LaQshya certification.

NQAS certification is awarded after a detailed assessment of eight key areas of healthcare institutions. Chavara Primary Health Centre and Chathannoor Primary Health Centre in Kollam have received NQAS reaccreditation, scoring 91.41 per cent and 96.83 per cent, respectively.

With these achievements, 361 health institutions in Kerala have now received NQAS accreditation. They include 13 district hospitals, eight taluk hospitals, 14 community health centres, 53 urban family health centres, 181 family health centres and 92 other community health centres.

Health institutions that receive NQAS accreditation are also eligible for annual incentives. Family Health Centres and Urban Primary Health Centres receive Rs. 2 lakh each annually, public health centres receive Rs. 18,000 per package, and other hospitals receive Rs. 10,000 per bed.

NQAS and LaQshya accreditations are valid for three years. After this period, the institutions undergo reassessment by the national team, along with annual inspections at the state level to ensure that quality standards are maintained.