Adherence to Quality in District Hospitals of Haryana: A Recent Assessment as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)

Abstract

The article assesses the quality standards of available health care services as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) at all the 22 District Hospitals (DHs) in Haryana and also brings out a ranking of districts within the State based on these parameters. A structured schedule was prepared using IPHS norms and guidelines, and data was collected from all the DHs in the State on required components of quality standards. The article uses different statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV) for analysis and attempts preparing a composite IPHS Index based on the type and number of services available. It found that the overall mean percentage score of observed quality standards was 66.5% across 22 DHs in Haryana (8 DHs>70%, 11 DHs between 60% and 70% and 3 DHs < 60%). Further, ranking across the State shows DH Panchkula on top with rank one whereas DH Charkhi Dadri appears at last with rank 22 based on the laid IPHS parameters. The article asserts that the observed quality standards are not fully matched with expected quality standards at DHs in Haryana and recommends the need for periodic reviews, perpetual monitoring of these standards and functioning, and emphasises on systemic management of the required IPHS parameters to ensure provisioning of optimal healthcare services at these hospitals.