Respected Officers and Staff,
Non-24×7 Primary Health Centres play a critical role in the primary healthcare system, especially in preventive, promotive, and OPD-based services. Even with limited human resources, these facilities are fully eligible for NQAS certification by effectively organizing services, roles, and documentation.
NQAS standards are designed to be resource-sensitive and focus on systems, processes, and teamwork, rather than staff numbers alone.
Facility Staffing Context
Non-24×7 PHCs typically function with the following cadres:
- Medical Officer
- Nursing Officer
- Pharmacy Officer
- Clerical staff (FDA/SDA)
- Laboratory Technical Officer
- Field Staff (CHO/HIO/PHCO/ASHA)
- Group-D Staff
Each cadre has a defined responsibility under NQAS, and optimal coordination among them is essential.
Role-Wise Quality Responsibilities
- Overall in-charge of PHC
- Ensures adherence to clinical SOPs and protocols
- Leads quality improvement and NQAS activities
- Conducts internal assessments and review meeting.
- Provides OPD nursing services
- Implements infection prevention and control practices
- Maintains nursing records and registers
- Supports patient counselling and feedback.
- Manages drug storage and dispensing
- Maintains stock, indent, and expiry records
- Ensures FEFO compliance
- Provides drug-related patient instruction.
- Conducts laboratory investigations as per protocols
- Maintains lab registers and equipment logs
- Ensures infection control and BMW management
- Reports test results timely
- Maintains administrative records and registers
- Compiles and submits reports and data
- Handles office correspondence
- Supports NQAS and Kayakalp documentation
- Mobilizes community for PHC services
- Ensures follow-up of beneficiaries
- Supports outreach and referral services
- Maintains community-level records
- Maintains cleanliness of facility
- Supports biomedical waste segregation
- Assists in patient movement and basic services
- Supports infection control practices.
Key Focus Areas for Non-24×7 PHCs
To achieve NQAS certification, emphasis should be placed on:
- OPD-based service quality
- Proper documentation and record maintenance
- Infection prevention and cleanliness
- Patient rights, grievance redressal, and feedback mechanisms
- Functional referral system and emergency preparedness (as applicable)
Service standards will be assessed according to the service package of non-24×7 PHCs, not against 24×7 facilities.
Way Forward
- Limited manpower should be addressed through task-sharing and team-based functioning
- Daily routine practices aligned with SOPs will reduce additional workload
- Regular internal assessments and gap closure are crucial
- Quality improvement is a continuous and sustainable process
Non-24×7 PHCs, despite limited staff strength, are fully capable of achieving NQAS certification through structured planning, role clarity, and coordinated efforts.
All staff members are encouraged to actively participate in quality initiatives and contribute towards institutionalizing quality standards at their respective PHCs.
Quality is not dependent on manpower alone—it depends on commitment, systems, and teamwork.
Non 24x7 PHC Checklist
List of Registers
Out Come Indicators
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