Delhi gets three Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, focus on holistic patient care

Doctors at two centres said certification work to convert the PHCs is underway. “We will get certification of the three PHCs under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) and Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS),” said a doctor at one of the centres.

At the AAM in Najafgarh, new TV screens have been installed to flash health-related tips and information about various diseases. The centre will also conduct talks to generate awareness on various health issues. “Today, we held a health talk on ear problems that can happen due to loud noise,” said a medical officer at the Najafgarh AAM.

The three PHCs come under the Rural Health Training Centre in Najafgarh, which is a part of the Directorate General Health Services, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Najafgarh PHC is one of the oldest in Delhi and was established in 1937.

According to a medical officer at the Najafgarh centre, the facility will be different from a regular dispensary. “So far, the focus at a PHC was on clinical and immunisation services. Now, the focus will be more on prevention of disease and promotion of health,” said the officer.

He added that the staff will be trained to teach patients and the general population yoga, screen them for blood pressure and diabetes during community outreach programmes, and provide lifestyle modification advice.

At the Palam AAM, a batch of nurses is being trained in yoga along with their regular training.

A doctor at this AAM said the staff will remain the same — two medical officers, a specialist doctor on a rotational basis who comes once a week, eight women health visitors who are qualified nurses, and six auxiliary nurses and midwives. “Apart from this, we also have lab technicians, part-time workers, sanitary workers and maternity staff.”

An official added that ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers and ANM (auxiliary nurse midwives) workers will be

conducting the community outreach programmes under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir. “They will hold health promotion activities like they have been doing under the Information Education Communication (IEC) and Behavi-our Change Communication (BCC) programmes,” said the officer.