PHC Candolim in North Goa has been certified as meeting the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) with the highest score of 96.56% among bedded PHCs in the region. This certification was awarded following an assessment conducted on April 3rd and 4th, 2025, by assessors from the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), New Delhi. The facility had previously received the National Kayakalp Award for 2024-25 and the AAM-SHC Arpora-Nagoa NQAS certification, marking a continued commitment to quality healthcare.
The PHC Candolim is led by Health Officer Dr Roshan Nazareth, with support from the Nodal Officer of the Quality Team, Dr. Vanita Shetye, six departmental heads, and their teams. The entire staff participated in the certification process. Guidance was provided by Dr. Ujwala Prabhudessai (State Nodal Officer for Quality), Dr. Siddhi Ghatwal (Consultant Quality), and Dr. Nadine Mesquita (North Goa District Consultant for Quality), under the direction of Director DHS, Dr. Rupa Naik.
Dr. Nazareth, who led the team, expressed gratitude to the local political and community leaders, including MLA Michael Lobo and Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes, for their support and cooperation, which was crucial despite the lack of modern infrastructure.
Speaking about the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification, it is a government-led quality initiative in India aimed at improving the standard of care in public health facilities, including primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of the public health system.