The Government of India has successfully implemented the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) which is a comprehensive framework established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), aimed at ensuring and enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided at public health facilities.

As on 28^th February 2025, the total number of facilities which have received NQAS certification is 24,364 across 36 states and Union Terrirtories.

Initially, the Standards were applied for District Hospitals, aiming to ensure that services provided through public health facilities are safe, patient-centric, and of assured quality. Subsequently, these standards were extended to Sub-District Hospitals (SDH), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Ayushman Arogya Mandir-Urban Primary Health Centre (AAM-UPHC), Ayushman Arogya Mandir-Primary Health Centre (AAM-PHC), and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Sub-Centers (AAM-SHCs).

To further instil a culture of continuous quality improvement and ease of compliance in healthcare sector, digital technology was leveraged and ‘Virtual Assessment for National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) Certification of Ayushman Arogya Mandir- Sub Health Centers (AAM-SHCs)’ was launched on 28^th June, 2024.  10% of the virtually assessed AAM- Sub Centres be verified physically through onsite-assessment. This has facilitated compliance and enhanced the efficiency of healthcare service delivery in all States/UTs.

On June 28, 2024, the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) for Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) were launched to enhance the accuracy and precision of testing processes and results. To support this initiative, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program was conducted in August 2024, equipping state and district level officials with the knowledge and skills required for effective implementation. These measures aim to improve the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of laboratory testing while ensuring consistent quality standards across all IPHLs.

NQAS provides a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing the quality of care in public health facilities by focusing on areas such as service provision, patient rights, inputs, support services, clinical care, infection control, quality management. This leads to better patient outcomes and increased public trust in healthcare services.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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HFW/Update on NQAS/28March 2025/3