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New Delhi, February 8, 2025: The Union Health Ministry continues to take significant strides in strengthening public healthcare facilities across India. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the ministry provides both technical and financial support to States and Union Territories (UTs) to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all.
The government supports states through Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs), enabling recruitment of healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas, and addressing infrastructure gaps in the healthcare system. The financial approvals for these initiatives are granted in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) based on available resources and established norms.
Indian Public Health Standards: A Benchmark for Quality
The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) serve as critical benchmarks for ensuring the delivery of essential healthcare services. These standards apply to District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centers, Primary Health Centers, and Sub-Health Centers. Initially developed in 2007 and revised in 2012 and 2022, the IPHS guidelines help states plan and improve healthcare delivery, fostering better health outcomes and greater public trust in government healthcare services.
Technology-Driven Monitoring and Assessment
To enhance transparency and efficiency, the Union Health Ministry launched a web-based dashboard (www.iphs.mohfw.gov.in) on June 28, 2024, under IPHS. This dashboard enables real-time monitoring of healthcare facilities’ compliance with IPHS 2022 standards. Designed to facilitate self-assessment at all levels, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the platform allows for data-driven decision-making, identification of gaps, and timely interventions to improve service delivery.
Healthcare Facility Assessment: Progress So Far
As of January 22, 2025, an impressive 93% of public healthcare facilities across India have undergone assessment based on IPHS standards. Among these, 55% of the assessed facilities have achieved scores exceeding 50%, highlighting significant progress in adherence to quality benchmarks. These assessments help authorities prioritize areas needing urgent improvement and allocate resources effectively.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted these developments in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday, reiterating the government’s commitment to bolstering healthcare services across the nation.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official government reports and statements. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to refer to the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest updates and details.
