Delhi's Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Get Thumbs Up from Union Health Secretary
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava visits Delhi's Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to review primary healthcare and preventive wellness services.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently conducted a comprehensive review of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in New Delhi, expressing high satisfaction with the quality of primary healthcare being delivered to the public. The visit focused on evaluating how these centres are implementing comprehensive primary healthcare initiatives and their effectiveness in bringing essential medical services directly to the community.
Tour of Key Health Facilities
During her visit to the national capital, Secretary Srivastava inspected three specific facilities to get a ground-level view of their operations:
- Ayushman Arogya Mandir–Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Babar Road
- Ayushman Arogya Mandir–UPHC, Trade & Taxes
- Ayushman Arogya Mandir–Urban Sub Health Centre (USHC), Golf Links
The Health Secretary lauded the dedication of the healthcare personnel, noting that their efforts are making quality healthcare both affordable and accessible at the grassroots level.
Focus on Preventive Care and Early Detection
A major highlight of the review was the emphasis on preventive healthcare. Secretary Srivastava particularly praised the screening services for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and hypertension. She noted that early identification of these risks is critical for timely medical intervention, which prevents long-term complications and improves overall health outcomes.
Furthermore, the availability of 12 essential laboratory tests at these centres was highlighted as a significant advantage. By providing diagnostic services at the primary level, these facilities reduce the burden on larger hospitals and ensure that patients do not have to travel far for routine investigations.
Promoting Holistic Wellness and Yoga
Moving beyond the treatment of illness, the Union Health Secretary stressed that these centres should evolve into hubs for holistic wellness. To promote healthier lifestyles and mental well-being, she has issued a new directive:
Regular yoga and wellness sessions must now be organised at all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on a fixed day every week.
This initiative aims to increase community engagement and raise awareness about balanced nutrition and physical activity.
Digital Integration and Quality Standards
To modernize the healthcare ecosystem, Secretary Srivastava emphasized the integration of digital health records. She specifically directed the routine generation of Baal Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for children. This move is intended to ensure continuity of care through digitally accessible records, aligning primary health services with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Finally, the Health Secretary called for stricter quality assurance. She directed that the process for assessment and certification under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) be initiated for Urban Sub Health Centres operating under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). This step is aimed at ensuring that all public healthcare delivery remains safe, reliable, and patient-friendly.