In a landmark achievement for public health in a conflict-affected region, three healthcare facilities in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district have earned prestigious national recognition. Moving beyond its reputation as a Maoist stronghold, Sukma has now secured a place on the country's health map.
National Honour for Remote Centres
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has awarded the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification to three centres from some of Sukma's most remote and insurgency-affected pockets. The certified facilities are the Buddi Primary Health Centre, and the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Gaganpalli and Kistaram.
This certification is a rigorous benchmark. The centres were assessed on eight stringent parameters, including service provision, patient rights, and infection control. To qualify, they had to secure more than 70% marks, a target they successfully met.
A Testament to Systemic Improvement
Officials hailed this performance as proof that even in challenging, conflict-affected regions, public health institutions can match national standards with consistent strengthening and monitoring. Sukma Collector Amit Kumar called it a 'historic achievement' for the district.
He emphasized that getting three facilities from highly sensitive locations certified underscores the local administration's development priorities. "This shows we are not only expanding infrastructure but also improving the quality of care, especially in education and health, to drive long-term change," Kumar stated.
The Road to Certification: Niyad Nellanar Initiative
The transformation was not accidental. According to the district administration, a focused action plan was prepared under the 'Niyad Nellanar' initiative. The goal was to upgrade these facilities beyond just providing basic access.
Key areas of focus included:
- Ensuring uninterrupted availability of medicines, consumables, and essential equipment.
- Prioritizing cleanliness, safe waste disposal, and bio-medical waste management with regular checks.
- Training staff to respect patient rights, dignity, and privacy alongside providing treatment.
The NQAS framework itself examines clinical protocols, patient safety, record-keeping, and community feedback, making the certification a holistic mark of quality.
Impact and Future Incentives
District officials note that this recognition is more than a quality stamp. These centres have become reliable healthcare facilities for the most marginalized communities, and the positive change is now visible on the ground.
As a significant benefit, with the NQAS certification, the three Sukma facilities will now be eligible for financial incentives from the Union government. This will further aid in sustaining and enhancing the quality of healthcare services in this transforming region.
