Gujarat: 3 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs receive NQAS certification for healthcare excellence
Gandhinagar, June 26
In a remarkable milestone for advancing the healthcare landscape in Gujarat, three Ayushman Bharat health centres in Gandhinagar alone have earned a 'certificate of appreciation' for providing quality primary healthcare services to thousands of residents at their doorstep.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has awarded the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certificate to three Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Shahpur, Kantha, and Veda for excellent healthcare services.
These health centres have met 12 key standards, including facilities for oral healthcare, primary eye, ear, nose, and throat care, antenatal and maternity services, neonatal and child health services, mental healthcare, non-communicable disease management, and the distribution of free medicines to patients.
Many residents who availed these facilities said they received a slew of services, including medical consultations, lab testing, and medicines, free of cost at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
A resident, Hitendra Rathod, said, "If there is any problem, one can get primary care. Treatment for conditions like malaria and tuberculosis is available. Doctors treat everyone here, and ambulance services are also provided when needed."
Sangeetaben Prajapati said, "All facilities are available, we get medicines for blood pressure and diabetes. Treatment for common ailments is also provided."
A team from the Union Health Ministry recently conducted a virtual assessment of these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and the centres were found to meet all 12 standards. These centres not only provide medical services under national health programs - such as tuberculosis elimination and vector-borne disease control - but also offer free screening for non-communicable diseases, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
Dr Kirti Das Chaudhary of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir stated, "Twelve types of services are available here. We conduct 14 types of on-site lab tests. All national health program activities are carried out here, including programs aimed at preventing infectious diseases."
Dr Zahid stated that this certification is awarded by the Government of India under the National Quality Assurance Standards. The assessment process involves a team representing six different departments.
The National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), under the Ministry of Health, periodically assesses Primary Health Centres across the country. In this process, these health centres in Gandhinagar achieved an overall score of over 90 per cent.
District Quality Assurance Medical Officer Dr Dharmesh V. Parikh told newsmen that they have successfully met the checklists and criteria established by the authorities.
This achievement by three Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Gandhinagar is set to inspire other districts in the state, as they work towards the commitment of a 'Healthy Gujarat, Prosperous Gujarat.'
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news about our healthcare system! The fact that these centres offer free screenings for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cancer is a big win. But I wonder - are there enough such centres in other districts too? We need more of these, especially in tribal areas of Gujarat.
Excellent milestone! 12 standards including mental healthcare and NCD management - this is comprehensive primary care. The 90%+ score is very impressive. As someone from healthcare sector, I know NQAS isn't easy to get. Kudos to the teams at Shahpur, Kantha, and Veda. This is what 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in healthcare looks like 🙏
Impressive progress from Gujarat! As an expat working in healthcare, I've seen the Ayushman Bharat scheme evolve. The virtual assessment by the Union Health Ministry is particularly interesting - using technology to evaluate rural health centres. Free lab tests and medicines at doorstep? That's world-class primary care delivery. Hope this spreads across India!
Good initiative but let's be honest - the real challenge is maintaining these standards in the long run. Many PHCs start well but quality drops later. Also, what about mental healthcare? That's mentioned but do they have qualified counsellors? Rural mental health is still a neglected area. Still, this is a positive step forward. Should be replicated in every district.
Amazing! My grandmother in Veda gets her TB treatment from the local Arogya Mandir. She says the doctors are very caring and they even provide ambulance service. This NQAS certification is
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