UP eyes 50% NAQS certificationfor health facilities

Lucknow: Mission director, National Health Mission (NHM) UP, Dr Pinky Jowel, on Tuesday said that the state has fixed the goal to get at least 50% of the health facilities certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NAQS) framework.
"Preparations are being accelerated across all districts to meet this target," she said, informing that 1,059 health units in UP have already earned the NQAS certificate.
Later, an official spokesperson said patient footfall in NQAS accredited units was on the rise. The trend was visible under heads like OPD attendance, the number of surgical procedures undertaken, and the number of diagnostic tests done. Citing an example, they said: "Sarojini Nagar CHC offers a case in point. In 2022, the daily average patient footfall was 100, but after the NQAS certification, the number surged to 250–300 patients daily."
They also informed that the centre now houses a range of specialists, including a physician, gynaecologist, paediatrician, dental surgeon, and anaesthesiologist. Enhanced cleanliness and upgraded facilities made the CHC a preferred destination for patients from nearby areas such as Darogakheda, Banthra, Mohanlalganj, and Uttaretia.
Beneficiary patients acknowledged the improvement. "Earlier, we used to go to private clinics. But now, Sarojininagar CHC provides better care, so we prefer going there," said Shreyanshi Shukla from Daroga Kera.
"Govt hospitals have seen remarkable improvements. I recently had the privilege of having my wife delivered at Haroni Primary Health Centre, where all necessary medical care was provided, and both mother and child are doing well," said Jitendra Tripathi, Junabag.