A Government survey showed that nearly 80% of public health facilities in India fail to meet the essential standards for infrastructure, staff, and equipment mandated by the government.

A recent self-assessment conducted by the government involved 40,451 public healthcare facilities across states and Union Territories under the National Health Mission (NHM). These facilities reported details such as the number of doctors, nurses, and essential medical equipment.

Only 8,089 facilities achieved a score of 80% or higher, meeting the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) compliance criteria. The remaining 15,172 facilities scored between 50% and 80%.

The self-assessment and ongoing monitoring ensure that health facilities maintain adequate infrastructure, equipment, and human resources. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes and promote equity in healthcare access.

The government aims to bring 70,000 health institutions into IPHS compliance within the first 100 days of the new administration. Additionally, the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) provide further evaluation based on best practices, including the availability of essential medicines, proper waste management, infection control, support services, and patient rights.

Under the NHM, the central government covers 60% of the expenditure on public health facilities, with the states bearing the remaining 40%.

(Source:https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/80-of-public-health-facilities-are-substandard-govt-survey/111354096?utm_source=Mailer&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=ethealth_news_2024-06-29&dt=2024-06-29)