Kerala Adds 7 More Health Institutions to NQAS-Certified List, Total Now 233

Thiruvananthapuram: In a continued push toward improving public healthcare standards, seven more health institutions in Kerala have received the prestigious National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. Health Minister Veena George announced the development, stating that three of the institutions received the accreditation for the first time, while four others had their certifications renewed following the standard three-year cycle.

Among those newly accredited are the Engandiyur Family Health Centre in Thrissur, which scored 89.85%; the Manalur Family Health Centre, also in Thrissur, which achieved a score of 94.32%; and the Velamanoor People’s Health Centre in Kollam, which secured an 86.89% rating. These institutions were evaluated by a national team and found to meet the rigorous quality benchmarks set under the NQAS framework, which assesses public health facilities on parameters such as service quality, patient safety, infection control, infrastructure, and patient satisfaction.

(Family Health Centre, Engandiyoor, Thrissur)

In addition to the new accreditation, four previously certified institutions successfully renewed their NQAS status after reassessment. These include the Kodakara Family Health Centre in Thrissur (87.64%), Mundur Family Health Centre in Thrissur (96.63%), Kallunira Urban Family Health Centre in Vadakara, Kozhikode (86.37 percent), and Payyanakkal Urban Family Health Centre in Kozhikode (84.87%). The renewal is part of the NQAS protocol, which requires facilities to maintain and demonstrate sustained quality standards every three years.

With this latest addition, the total number of healthcare institutions in Kerala holding NQAS certification has risen to 233. These span a diverse range of facilities, including district hospitals, taluk hospitals, community health centres, urban family health centres, and people’s health centres. The growing number of accredited institutions reflects Kerala’s commitment to institutionalising quality within its public health delivery system.

The NQAS certification, instituted by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is considered a benchmark for quality in public healthcare services across India. Facilities that obtain this certification are not only recognized for their excellence but are also eligible for financial incentives.

In Kerala, family health centres and urban primary health centres that secure NQAS accreditation receive an annual incentive of Rs. 2 lakh. People’s health centres are eligible for Rs. 18,000 per service package, while other hospitals receive Rs. 10,000 per bed annually.

(Manalur Family Health Centre, Thrissur)

Each certification is valid for three years, following which the institutions undergo a reassessment by national teams. Additionally, the state government conducts annual evaluations to ensure that the quality benchmarks continue to be met. This multi-layered monitoring mechanism ensures that patient care standards remain consistent and responsive to evolving public health needs.

Kerala’s public health sector has long been regarded as one of the most effective in the country, known for its focus on preventive care, community participation, and access to affordable services. The Family Health Centre model—developed under the Aardram Mission—has played a key role in transforming outpatient care in government facilities by enhancing infrastructure, expanding service hours, and improving patient experiences. The increasing number of NQAS-certified centres is seen as a validation of the state's sustained investment in healthcare reform and quality assurance.