Prime Highlight
- India achieved a milestone by certifying 50,373 government-run health facilities under NQAS, ensuring safe and patient-focused care.
- The rapid growth in certified facilities reflects the government’s commitment to quality, safety, and equitable healthcare for all citizens.
Key Facts
- Certification grew from 6,506 facilities in December 2023 to 50,373 by December 2025, aided by virtual assessments and digital tools.
- 48,663 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide primary care, while 1,710 facilities like CHCs and district hospitals offer secondary care.
Background
India reached a major milestone in public healthcare, certifying over 50,000 government-run health facilities under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said 50,373 public facilities across all states and Union Territories have received the certification, which ensures safe, reliable and patient-focused care.
The ministry described the achievement as a proud moment for the country’s public health system, saying it reflects the government’s strong focus on quality, safety, and equitable healthcare for all citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
NQAS is a national framework launched in 2015 to improve the standard of care in public hospitals and health centres. It began with only 10 certified facilities, mainly district hospitals. Over the years, the programme expanded to cover sub-district hospitals, community health centres, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, including sub-health centres, primary health centres and urban primary health centres.
Certification sped up sharply after virtual assessments started. The number of certified facilities grew from 6,506 in December 2023 to 22,786 in December 2024, and reached 50,373 by December 2025. 48,663 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide primary care, and 1,710 facilities like CHCs, sub-district hospitals, and district hospitals provide secondary care.
Officials said this rapid growth came through focused efforts such as regular training of health workers, digital tools, more assessors, and continuous quality improvement systems. These steps support India’s goal of Universal Health Coverage under the National Health Policy 2017, which stresses affordable and quality care without financial burden.
The government has now set a new target to certify at least half of all public healthcare facilities under NQAS by March 2026. The ministry said it will continue to strengthen the programme so that quality, safety, and patient care become a permanent part of public healthcare across the country.
