Has India Achieved a Significant Milestone with 50,000 NQAS Certifications?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a remarkable achievement for public health, India has surpassed 50,000 certifications under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), marking a pivotal moment for healthcare quality in the country. This milestone reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and safety for all citizens.
Key Takeaways
- India has achieved over 50,000 NQAS certifications.
- This milestone reflects a commitment to quality in public healthcare.
- The initiative began in 2015 with only 10 certified facilities.
- It includes a wide range of healthcare facilities from community centers to district hospitals.
- Quality assurance efforts are crucial for Universal Health Coverage.
New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) – On Wednesday, the government announced that a total of 50,373 public health facilities across various states and union territories have successfully received certification under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) as of December 31. This certification represents a thorough quality framework set forth by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
This achievement is seen as a historic milestone in the effort to enhance the quality of public healthcare services, according to the Health Ministry.
“This accomplishment marks a proud moment for India’s public health system as we surpass the 50,000 certification threshold for NQAS, demonstrating the Government’s steadfast dedication to quality, safety, and patient-centered care. It signifies a major advancement towards ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all citizens, especially for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities,” the ministry stated.
The NQAS initiative commenced in 2015 with a mere 10 certified healthcare facilities, initially concentrating on District Hospitals to provide safe, patient-focused, and quality-assured services.
Gradually, the framework was expanded to include Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centres, Ayushman Arogya Mandir–PHCs, AAM–UPHCs, and AAM–Sub Health Centres, thus allowing quality assurance across all tiers of public healthcare.
The launch of Virtual Assessments for NQAS certification has significantly broadened quality coverage within India’s public health system.
The number of certified facilities surged from 6,506 in December 2023 to 22,786 in December 2024, and further to 50,373 by December 2025, illustrating a rapid scale-up within just one year.
This total includes 48,663 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (SHC, PHC, UPHC) and 1,710 secondary care facilities (CHC, SDH, DH), emphasizing the institutionalization of quality at all levels of public healthcare.
India’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), guided by the National Health Policy 2017, highlights the provision of quality, affordable healthcare without financial burden. The swift expansion of NQAS reflects the adoption of various acceleration strategies, including ongoing capacity building, digital innovations, a substantial increase in the pool of assessors, and continuous quality improvement mechanisms.
Point of View
This achievement in India's public health sector is a testament to the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare quality. With over 50,000 NQAS certifications, the country is on the path to ensuring equitable healthcare access, especially for marginalized communities. This move not only strengthens the healthcare framework but also emphasizes the importance of patient safety and quality care.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NQAS?
The National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) is a comprehensive framework introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure quality in public healthcare facilities across India.
How many facilities have been certified under NQAS?
As of December 31, a total of 50,373 public health facilities have received NQAS certification across all states and union territories.
When did the NQAS initiative begin?
The NQAS initiative started in 2015 with only 10 certified healthcare facilities, primarily focusing on District Hospitals.
What is the significance of reaching 50,000 NQAS certifications?
Reaching this milestone is a significant step toward improving healthcare quality and accessibility for all citizens, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable populations.
How does the NQAS support Universal Health Coverage?
The NQAS supports Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that high-quality, affordable healthcare is accessible to all without financial hardship.
