Objective of the NQAS Support in Kalahandi
The objective of IPSI’s support for the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) in Kalahandi district is to strengthen the quality of primary healthcare services by building district ownership, enhancing the capacity of health-care providers, and institutionalizing continuous quality improvement systems. The support aims to enable health facilities to achieve and sustain NQAS certification through structured technical assistance, mentoring, and health systems strengthening.
Overview of the Support Activities in Kalahandi
IPSI has been providing comprehensive technical support to the District Health Administration for the implementation of NQAS across Kalahandi district. The support includes facility gap assessments to identify deficiencies related to infrastructure, human resources, equipment, infection prevention and control, documentation, drugs, diagnostics, and service delivery, followed by continuous handholding and supportive supervision to address identified gaps through regular mentoring visits and follow-up. Capacity-building programmes are conducted to strengthen the knowledge and skills of district officials, block teams, and facility staff on NQAS standards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Kayakalp, SAQSHAM, and quality improvement processes. Cross-learning and exposure visits to high-performing districts enable health-care providers and programme managers to observe successful implementation models and adapt best practices within the district. IPSI has also supported the establishment of model demonstration facilities to promote peer learning, structured mentoring groups for regular review and technical guidance, and continuous quality improvement mechanisms, including mock assessments, KPI monitoring, and routine quality reviews. In addition, IPSI facilitates district-level coordination and leadership engagement through regular review meetings and District Quality Assurance Committee (DQAC) discussions, strengthens community participation in quality improvement activities, and promotes recognition and reward mechanisms to encourage sustained implementation of NQAS across the district.
Output
Since the initiation of IPSI support in October 2023, Kalahandi district has increased its cumulative number of NQAS-certified health facilities from 17 to 143 by May 2026, including 92 National-level and 51 State-level certifications. The district was also recognized as the Best Performing District in NQAS Certification (2024–25), reflecting the impact of the collaborative and systems-strengthening approach adopted by IPSI in partnership with the District Health Administration.
