CM Yogi’s efforts lead UP hospitals to NQAS certification, boosting public trust

Lucknow : Rabia Khatoon, a resident of Bargadi village, no longer has to travel to the city for quality healthcare. Visiting the Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT) Community Health Center for her child’s check-up, she expressed her satisfaction with the wide range of services now available — from pediatric and gynecological care to surgical procedures, lab tests, and free medicines. “Everything is available here now,” she said, highlighting how the upgraded facilities have brought convenience and confidence to rural families like hers.

Ramsnehi, a resident of Mall Block, echoed similar sentiments during her visit to BKT CHC. Reflecting on the changes over the past five years, she noted a remarkable improvement in healthcare access. “Earlier, we had to go far for even basic treatment,” she recalled. “Now, most common illnesses are treated here, lab tests are available, and we get the necessary medicines too.” Despite traveling 18 kilometers to reach the center, she emphasized how essential the CHC has become for her and surrounding villages.

Every day, more than 350 patients like Rabia and Ramsnehi benefit from the quality treatment at BKT CHC. This center was the first in the state to receive the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) certificate in 2022 and is also the first CHC in Lucknow to establish a blood bank. With additional facilities such as a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) center, X-ray services, online lab reports, and excellent patient care, BKT CHC stands out from other community health centers. Its cleanliness and maintenance also receive high praise.

NHM Mission Director Dr. Pinky Jowel highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, there is a focused effort to provide quality and affordable healthcare to patients across the state. To date, 507 health units in Uttar Pradesh have received the NQAS certification, with notable improvements in the Ayodhya and Prayagraj divisions. Plans are underway to extend this certification to divisions in Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, and Saharanpur.

The Yogi government has set a goal to have 50 percent of the state’s health units certified by NAQAS by the end of the year. Dr. Jowel has instructed all Chief Medical Officers to prepare as many health units as possible for certification, particularly emphasizing the 105 health units in aspirational development blocks.

Despite the proximity of the 100-bed Ramsagar Mishra Hospital, many patients continue to flock to the OPD of BKT CHC, further confirming its effective operations. Dr. JP Singh, Superintendent of BKT CHC, mentioned that 80 percent of the beds in his 30-bed hospital are consistently occupied. In addition to this, the CHC boasts a four-bed Newborn Stabilization Unit (NBSU), 24-hour emergency services, and daily vaccinations, except on Sundays.

The Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT) Community Health Center (CHC) operates with a computerized system, similar to Balrampur and Civil Hospitals, ensuring streamlined healthcare services. Once a patient registers, they receive care according to a token system, which includes access to consultations with doctors, lab tests, and medicines related to their condition. The center offers services from physicians, gynecologists, pediatricians, and surgeons.

Since receiving the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) certification, the trust of the local population in BKT CHC has grown remarkably, as seen in the increasing number of patients visiting the OPD and getting admitted. Nearly all patients are now receiving necessary medications. Efforts are underway to expand the 30-bed hospital to 50 beds and add hormonal testing facilities.

BKT CHC in Figures:

–350 to 500 patients visit the OPD daily

–120 to 150 deliveries take place per month, including 10-12 caesarean deliveries

–550 X-rays conducted monthly

–57 blood transfusions carried out in 2024

–60 patients receive lab tests daily

–15 to 20 telemedicine consultations take place daily

–10 to 15 children are admitted to the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) unit daily

Standards of NQAS Certification:

–Cleanliness maintained in the hospital

–Better behavior with patients

–Quality food provided to patients

–Comprehensive care during pregnancy and childbirth

–Neonatal and infant health services

–Childhood and adolescent health services

–Family planning and management of communicable diseases

–Management of simple illnesses, including minor ailments, and non-communicable diseases