Chhattisgarh achieves two historic milestones in Public Health Services

Chhattisgarh has achieved another milestone in public healthcare, securing two national distinctions that mark a transformative moment for the state's health services. The Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) of District Hospital Pandri in Raipur and District Hospital Balodabazar have been awarded national-level quality certification under the Government of India’s National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). While the Pandri IPHL has been recognized as the first quality-certified IPHL in the country, Balodabazar’s IPHL has been certified as the second nationwide—and the second within the state. The achievement underscores Chhattisgarh’s rapid progress in building scientific, reliable, and high-quality diagnostic systems across its public health network.This recognition is the result of extensive efforts by the state government to upgrade healthcare quality. Between January 2024 and November 2025, 832 health institutions across Chhattisgarh underwent rigorous assessments on national parameters, including facilities in remote regions like Chintagufa in Dantewada. For the first time in the country, such a large and systematically organized network of laboratories has been evaluated and accredited within one state—earning Chhattisgarh a distinguished national standing.Expert assessors nominated by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare conducted detailed evaluations. The Pandri IPHL was assessed on September 10, 2025, and Balodabazar IPHL on September 11, 2025. Both teams reviewed parameters such as patient-centric services, quality control, workflow efficiency, safety systems, documentation, and timely reporting. Pandri scored 90%, while Balodabazar secured 88%, placing both labs in the “excellent” category under national standards.

STORY | IPHLs at two Chhattisgarh hospitals get national quality certification

Integrated public health labs (IPHLs) of two district hospitals in Chhattisgarh have been awarded quality certification under the Union government's National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), an… pic.twitter.com/CvDhc305d1

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 20, 2025

According to information,the purpose of setting up IPHLs is to provide pathology, biochemistry, and microbiology diagnostics under one roof—offering faster, more reliable tests and reducing dependence on costly private labs. Patients benefit through timely, affordable, and accurate reports at a single location, a significant advancement especially for rural, tribal, and economically weaker communities.The Pandri IPHL, now considered the state's model laboratory, conducts over 3,000 tests daily and offers more than 120 types of diagnostics. Operating on a hub-and-spoke model, it processes samples from multiple Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres across Raipur district. During emergencies, the lab has supported nearby districts and medical colleges, demonstrating statewide service capacity.Balodabazar’s IPHL is also emerging as a key diagnostic hub, conducting 1,000–1,200 tests daily and offering over 100 types of diagnostic services. With modern equipment, trained professionals, and efficient turnaround times, the lab has significantly improved diagnostic access for thousands of patients who previously depended on distant or private facilities.Pandri IPHL has previously received national recognition. Delegations from more than 13 states have visited the lab to study its functioning. The Government of India has also placed an image of the Raipur IPHL on the cover of its national guidelines for establishing IPHLs under PM–ABHIM, setting it as a benchmark for the country.The NQAS framework requires strict compliance with cleanliness, safety, patient satisfaction, equipment calibration, biomedical waste management, documentation, and technical quality. Both labs excelled across these parameters, reflecting the discipline and strength of Chhattisgarh’s health system.Commissioner and Director Priyanka Shukla stated that NQAS is a flagship initiative designed to institutionalize quality improvement in public health facilities. Certification is granted only after institutions demonstrate consistent excellence across a comprehensive checklist. The achievement by Chhattisgarh’s IPHLs, she noted, highlights the commitment and coordination of lab technicians, doctors, and management teams.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the health teams, saying:“Congratulations to the entire health department on the IPHLs of Pandri Raipur and Balodabazar becoming the country’s first and second quality-certified Integrated Public Health Labs. This achievement reflects the broad, scientific, and structural reforms underway in Chhattisgarh’s health system. Quality healthcare is our highest priority, and this certification has strengthened the credibility and resilience of our public health services.”Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal also praised the milestone:“I congratulate the people of Chhattisgarh and our entire health workforce on this historic recognition. The IPHL model has made diagnostics faster, more accurate, and affordable, especially for rural and remote communities. We will now expand this high-quality model across the state, positioning Chhattisgarh as a leading state in national healthcare-quality standards.”