Mizoram has achieved national recognition in healthcare as four of its Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been ranked among the best in India. These centres received high ratings under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), a framework by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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Four Centres Secure Over 90% Scores
The PHCs at Thingsulthliah, Sialsuk, N. Vanlaiphai, and Chhiahtlang stood out for their adherence to strict quality norms. Each of them secured over 90% in assessments that evaluated service delivery, patient safety, infection control, and infrastructure management.
This recognition places them in the top tier of government-run health facilities across the country. The achievement is particularly significant as these centres serve remote and underserved regions of Mizoram.
Quality Health Services for All
The state’s health department welcomed the honour, calling it a reflection of the consistent hard work of healthcare professionals across the state. Officials noted that these PHCs not only offer essential services but also maintain clean environments, quick response systems, and community-focused care.
Residents in rural areas rely heavily on PHCs for first-level medical attention. The enhanced performance of these facilities means faster treatment, fewer referrals to bigger hospitals, and more trust in the public health system.
What Sets These PHCs Apart?
According to health officials, these PHCs excelled in various areas such as clinical practices, timely documentation, data management, and patient feedback systems. Community involvement also played a major role in improving overall quality.
The Thingsulthliah PHC has adopted digital recordkeeping and health dashboards to manage patient care efficiently. Sialsuk PHC introduced dedicated service pathways for older people, children, and pregnant people to ensure focused care for each group.
Central and State-Level Coordination
The success story reflects strong coordination between the central and state governments. Mizoram has been actively implementing health reforms through programs such as Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (NHM).
Both financial assistance and technical guidance from the Centre contributed to upgrading infrastructure, training personnel, and digitising service processes. The Centre’s emphasis on quality benchmarking has found effective implementation in Mizoram’s healthcare system.
Focus on Training and Upskilling
Regular staff training has been a cornerstone of this success. Healthcare workers received specialised instruction in infection control, patient management, and data handling. These workshops were funded by both state and central initiatives under the NHM framework.
With well-trained staff, PHCs have become more responsive, accurate, and transparent in service delivery. Plans are now underway to expand training to more centres to prepare them for NQAS assessments in future cycles.
A Model for Other States
Mizoram’s performance has set an example for other North Eastern states. It proves that even small and remote regions can excel in public healthcare through focus, planning, and community engagement.
Experts argue that empowering local healthcare teams leads to better outcomes than centralised control. By involving community workers and adapting to local needs, Mizoram’s PHCs have ensured both quality and sustainability.
Aligning with National Health Goals
This recognition aligns with India’s broader health goals under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Improving primary care, especially in rural areas, is crucial to reducing disease burden and preventing health emergencies.
By strengthening its PHCs, Mizoram is helping advance national objectives such as reducing maternal and infant mortality, enhancing vaccination coverage, and managing non-communicable diseases.
Future Plans for Expansion
State health officials have confirmed that more PHCs and Community Health Centres (CHCs) are being evaluated for the next round of NQAS assessments. Lessons learned from the current centres will help improve standards across other districts.
There is also a push to introduce more telemedicine services, strengthen ambulance networks, and ensure uninterrupted access to essential drugs and diagnostic tools.
Additionally, the government aims to involve local health committees to monitor service quality and feedback on a regular basis. This grassroots involvement will likely lead to more consistent results in future evaluations.
Public Response
The recognition of the four PHCs has been widely appreciated by the public. Residents, especially from rural zones, expressed their satisfaction with improved services. Many parents and caregivers noted that timely care and follow-ups had significantly reduced health risks for their children and family members.
Social media saw several messages of support for the healthcare workers who contributed to this success. Civil society groups and local leaders called for continuous investment in primary care to ensure long-term health equity in the state.
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