Kollam: The state's first family health centre at Chemmaruthi near Varakala has been selected for National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) and has become the first such hospital in Thiruvananthapuram district to get the recognition. According to the patrons, a weekly quality assurance check-up and continuous training programme for the staff members have enabled the health centre to achieve this.
Based on the assessment by NQAS, the health centre has been awarded 88 per cent marks for the quality standards.
The accreditation is based on the performance of the centre on various criteria, including outpatient unit, implementation of national health mission, general administration, laboratory service, information control, safety and other basic infrastructure.
“The hospital has already ensured quality healthcare by implementing the protocol for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. With the new achievement, the hospital standards in patient-friendly atmosphere and germ-free condition will be ensured,” medical officer of the health centre, Dr. Anwar Abbas, said.
It has introduced special projects and feedback system to assess patient satisfaction in the treatment availed of at the hospital. The service of doctors, hospital staff and computerised lab facilities are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a daily basis.
The centre provides special care for patients suffering from diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and pulmonary diseases as per procedure. They are also provided with insulin and inhalers.
The centre runs a palliative care unit with people’s participation and has secured several awards, including the best palliative unit in the district. Along with this, a nutritional food programme has also been implemented for the elderly.
The hospital also received plan fund from Chemmaruthy panchayat which has been used for infrastructure development, including construction of an advanced physiotherapy unit.
