Amid protests, Bengal health services get top national recognition

Junior doctors across West Bengal have launched a widespread movement demanding better safety measures in the medical sector. Their cause has resonated with citizens, who have supported them through hunger strikes, marches, and strikes. Amid this tense atmosphere, West Bengal’s public health services have received significant recognition from the Central Government. The state has emerged as a leader in obtaining the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification, placing it ahead of all other Indian states.

Previously, only two Union Territories—Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Danam and Diu, along with Chandigarh—held similar status. However, Bengal's health services have now claimed the top spot, with nearly 25% of its public health service centers achieving this prestigious certificate.

The NQAS certification is awarded based on evaluations in eight critical areas, measured against international standards. These include the provision of services, patient rights, costs, support services, clinical care, infection control, quality management, and revenue. In West Bengal, 12,859 health service centers, including district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, community health centers, and primary health centers, were inspected, with 23.6%, or 3,039 centers, receiving the certification.

During a phone call on Saturday with junior doctors on hunger strike at Esplanade, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took the opportunity to congratulate the state's healthcare workers on this remarkable achievement. She emphasized that the success of Bengal’s health services is a result of the combined efforts of all health professionals.

Many had long believed that South Indian states offered superior medical treatment compared to Bengal. Regions such as Vellore in Tamil Nadu are well known for their advanced healthcare facilities. However, in this case, even the southern states lagged behind Bengal in NQAS certifications. Only 18.1% of Andhra Pradesh's health centers, 14.8% of Telangana's, 12.6% of Tamil Nadu's, and 9.5% of Karnataka's centers have earned the certification.