Quality at the Forefront: India’s LaQshya Program Hits New Milestone in Maternal Healthcare

NEW DELHI — In a significant push toward safer childbirth and dignified maternal care, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced a major expansion of the LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative). As of February 2026, the program has successfully certified 1,244 Labour Rooms (LRs) and 917 Maternity Operation Theatres (MOTs) in public health facilities across the country, signaling a rigorous shift toward standardized, high-quality obstetric care.

The update, released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on March 27, 2026, highlights not only the growth of the initiative but also its sustainability. To date, 151 Labour Rooms and 107 Maternity Operation Theatres have already successfully navigated the demanding recertification process, ensuring that improvements in care are not merely temporary fixes but permanent systemic changes.

Redefining the Birth Experience

For decades, the challenge in public maternal health was centered on “institutional delivery”—simply getting women into hospitals. However, as more women chose facility-based births, the focus shifted to the quality of that experience.

LaQshya, launched to address “preventable” maternal and newborn mortality, targets the most critical hours of the birthing process. By focusing on the Labour Room and the Maternity Operating Theatre, the initiative aims to reduce complications like postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis, while simultaneously tackling a less-discussed barrier to healthcare: the lack of respectful maternity care.

A Rigorous Blueprint for Excellence

The LaQshya certification is not a mere participation trophy. It is a technical gauntlet involving over 200 measurable elements distributed across 70 distinct standards. These standards are categorized into eight “Areas of Concern” that reflect a holistic view of healthcare:

1. Service Provision: Availability of required clinical services.

2. Patient Rights: Ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and dignity.

3. Inputs: Infrastructure, including functional equipment and human resources.

4. Support Services: Reliability of water, electricity, and sanitation.

5. Clinical Care: Adherence to evidence-based clinical protocols.

6. Infection Control: Strict hygiene and sterilization practices.

7. Quality Management: Internal audits and data-driven improvements.

8. Outcome: Monitoring maternal and newborn health indicators.

To achieve the “LaQshya-certified” badge, a facility must score at least 70% overall. More importantly, it must achieve 70% in specific core standards regarding Privacy, Confidentiality, and Dignity, ensuring that the psychological well-being of the mother is prioritized alongside her physical safety.

The Role of Independent Oversight

One of the program’s strongest features is its reliance on independent assessors. These experts verify that a facility isn’t just “paper-ready” but “patient-ready.” This includes checking for uninterrupted power and water supplies, the presence of trained medical staff, and the functionality of life-saving equipment.

“The rigor of LaQshya is what sets it apart,” says Dr. Aranya Gupta, a public health consultant not involved in the government report. “By requiring an individual score of more than 50% for every quality standard, the program ensures there are no ‘weak links.’ You cannot have a high-tech operation theatre with poor infection control and still pass.”

While the Ministry of Health provides the framework and funding through the National Health Mission (NHM), the day-to-day administration remains a State subject. The central government supports these efforts by aligning infrastructure with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS 2022), helping states bridge gaps in staffing and equipment.

Beyond the Numbers: What This Means for Families

For the average expectant mother in India, a LaQshya-certified facility represents a promise of safer care. Practically, this means:

• Reduced Wait Times: Streamlined triaging and clinical protocols.

• Respectful Care: A strict “no-tolerance” policy for verbal or physical abuse during delivery.

• Safe Environment: Reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections for both mother and child.

• Ready Resources: Confidence that if an emergency arises, the MOT is equipped and the staff is trained to respond.

Addressing the Gaps: Challenges and Monitoring

Despite the impressive figures, challenges remain. Health is a “State subject” in India, meaning the quality of implementation can vary significantly between regions. To combat this, the government has instituted a “multi-pronged strategy” involving regular supportive supervisory visits.

Common Review Missions (CRMs) and regional review meetings serve as checks and balances. These visits are designed to identify “gaps”—such as a sudden shortage of specialized nurses or a breakdown in equipment—and bridge them in the shortest possible timeframe.

Critics often point out that while certification is a milestone, maintaining those standards in high-volume public hospitals is the real test. The news that over 250 units have already undergone recertification is a positive indicator that the “culture of quality” is beginning to take root.

Conclusion

The LaQshya initiative represents a sophisticated evolution in India’s public health strategy. By moving the needle from “access to care” to “excellence in care,” the program is building a foundation where every birth is not just a medical event, but a safe and dignified experience. For the 1,244 Labour Rooms currently certified, the mission is clear: sustained improvement is the only way forward.

References

Official Sources:

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India. (2026). Update on LaQshya Scheme. Released via Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi. [Posted 27 March 2026].

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

Annexure

Source: NHSRC Report