A one-day Orientation on National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) for Medical Officers, Community Health Officers, and Staff Nurses was held on 15 May 2024 at the conference Hall, DoHFW, Kohima. Speaking during a short inaugural program, Dr E Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director, DoHFW, Nagaland, addressed the MOs, CHOs, and Nurses, expressing that it’s a privilege to serve the people, especially in the interior parts of the Districts. He emphasized that providing healthcare services to the needy should be seen as an opportunity, urging the healthcare providers present to work relentlessly to improve health indicators and deliver quality healthcare.
Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland, further highlighted the focus on providing Quality Healthcare in the Public Health Sector nationwide. She emphasized that NQAS is the highest quality certification for public health facilities, recognizing the high standards maintained by these units. Dr Sorhie stressed that NQAS aims to enhance patient satisfaction levels, rebuild trust in the Public Health system, ensure quality healthcare, and maintain ethical standards. She urged the participants to strive to obtain NQAS certification for the Health Units within their jurisdiction.
Dr Mereninla Senlem, State Program Officer, NHM, Nagaland, welcoming the participants, noted that the National Health Policy 2017 aims at Universal Health Coverage for all, achievable only through excellent, safe, and quality healthcare. She highlighted the Ministry of Health’s emphasis on quality by ensuring that all Health Units are NQAS Certified, which is a key indicator not only for Niti Ayog ranking but also for aspirational blocks.
The program was chaired by Dr Kheshika Yeptho, Deputy Director, NHM, Nagaland. In the state, three Urban Primary Health Units and two Primary Health Units have achieved NQAS Certification so far. The Government of India has set targets for NQAS Certification, requiring the state to achieve 50% of Public Health NQAS certifications by 2025 and 100% by December 2026.