Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Thursday reviewed three Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Delhi and directed facilities to organise weekly yoga and wellness sessions, integrate digital health identification for children and initiate quality certification for urban sub-health centres.
During visits to the Urban Primary Health Centres at Babar Road and Trade & Taxes, and the Urban Sub Health Centre at Golf Links, Srivastava assessed service quality and the implementation of comprehensive primary healthcare initiatives.
She expressed satisfaction with the facilities’ functioning, particularly screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, the availability of 12 essential laboratory tests and the emphasis on preventive healthcare.
Srivastava highlighted the importance of regular screening, treatment and follow-up to identify health risks early and prevent complications. Access to diagnostic tests at primary facilities also reduced the need for patients to visit higher-level institutions for routine investigations, she noted.
The Health Secretary said Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should function as comprehensive health and wellness centres, combining treatment with disease prevention, early detection and the promotion of healthier lifestyles.
She directed that yoga and wellness sessions be held on a fixed day each week at all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to encourage community participation and awareness of physical activity, balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare.
To strengthen digital integration, Srivastava asked facilities to incorporate the creation of Baal Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for children into routine service delivery. The initiative is intended to support continuity of care through digitally accessible health records and closer integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
She also directed that assessment and certification under the National Quality Assurance Standards be initiated for Urban Sub Health Centres operating under the National Urban Health Mission.
Adherence to quality standards was essential to ensuring safe, reliable and patient-friendly services, she said, adding that certification would support standardised care and continuous improvement.
Srivastava reviewed ongoing healthcare initiatives and discussed ways to improve coordination, service integration and operational efficiency. She appreciated the work of the Delhi State Health Mission and facility teams and called for sustained coordination with the Union Health Ministry.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide comprehensive primary healthcare spanning preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative services, with a focus on improving access for vulnerable and underserved communities.
Senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, National Health Mission and Delhi State Health Mission accompanied the Health Secretary during the visits.
