Thiruvananthapuram: All health institutions in Karakulam grama panchayat received the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) accreditation. This was the first time that all health institutions in a grama panchayat collectively reached national standards. Six community centres come under Karakulam Family Health Centre — Kachani, Karakulam, Karakulam Main Centre, Chittazha, Kallayam and Enikkara.As part of efforts to elevate more health institutions in the state to national quality standards, basic infrastructure was established according to NQAS guidelines and special training was provided to staff, ASHAs and public representatives. Monthly assessments were conducted and shortcomings were identified and addressed. The outpatient department at Karakulam Family Health Centre operates from 9am to 6pm. The centre is equipped with modern lab facilities and a physiotherapy unit. Preventive measures against infectious diseases, lifestyle disease diagnosis and awareness programmes are effectively implemented. A system ensuring quality care and medicine distribution through direct home visits functions efficiently in the grama panchayat, authorities said.
