Orientation on National Quality Assurance Standard held in Kohima

DIMAPUR — A one-day orientation on the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) for medical officers, community health officers, and staff nurses was held on Wednesday at the conference hall, Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW), Kohima.

According to a DIPR report, speaking during the inaugural programme, Dr. E Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director of DoHFW, stated that it is a privilege to serve the people, especially in the interior parts of the districts, and encouraged the attendees to view it as an opportunity to provide healthcare services to those in need.

He appealed to the healthcare providers present to work relentlessly with the aim of improving health indicators and providing quality healthcare to the people.

Dr. Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Nagaland, stated that there is an increased focus on providing quality healthcare in the public health sector nationwide.

Sorhie mentioned that the main focus of NQAS is to enhance the satisfaction level of patients seeking public facilities and to rebuild trust in the public health system, all while ensuring quality healthcare and maintaining ethical standards. She urged the participants present to do their best to ensure that the health units within their jurisdiction become certified under NQAS.

Dr. Mereninla Senlem, State Programme Officer at NHM, mentioned in her speech that the National Health Policy 2017 aims at achieving universal health coverage for all. She emphasised that this goal can only be attained when excellent, safe, and quality healthcare is provided and highlighted that obtaining this certification is a key indicator not only for Niti Ayog ranking but also for aspirational blocks.

In Nagaland, three urban primary health units and two primary health units have achieved NQAS certification so far. The government of India has set the target for the state that by 2025, 50% of public health facilities should be NQAS certified, and by December 2026, 100% of them should have NQAS certification.