Now look out for grading of Community Health Centers (CHCs)  
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 25, 2016
Government of India has now initiated grading of Community Health Centers (CHCs) across the country. The earlier system of Star Rating to CHCs has now been renamed as grading. The grading is done based on data on six different categories, two of which are mandatory.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated Star Rating of Community Health Centers (CHCs) in April, 2015. It has now been renamed as ‘Grading of CHCs’ in June 2016. Grading of CHCs is based on monthly performance data and annual infrastructure data as uploaded on Health Management Information system (HMIS) portal and is generated on quarterly basis on HMIS portal.
Criteria used for Grading
The grading of CHCs is done based on the data in the following categories
Mandatory Criteria
Both Human Resources & Infrastructure are mandatory criteria.
If CHC satisfies all the criteria in the above two categories, it would be eligible for Grading & will get 1 grade.
Drugs & Supplies
If the CHC facility satisfies all the three criteria with “Yes”, facility gets one Grade
Service Availability
If the CHC facility satisfies all the three criteria with “Yes”, facility gets one Grade
Client Orientation
If the CHC facility satisfies all the three criteria with “Yes”, facility gets one Grade
Service Utilization
For CHCs falling under ‘Hilly districts & districts of North Eastern States’ a relaxation of 30% is provided on the basic criteria. Based on which the ‘Minimum value/ month’ is considered as:
If the CHC facility satisfies any 4 or all 5 Service Utilization criteria, it would get one Grade.
Grading Process
The following process is followed in grading.
How will it help?
As per the information shared in Lok Sabha, the grading of CHCs will help the Programme Managers to identify the gaps in the available infrastructure and service availability. It also helps taking necessary corrective steps to strengthen/ upgrade health facilities. Government of India has put in place a system of incentives/ disincentives in the review of Programme Implementation Plans of States & UTs based on the above mentioned grades of CHCs. The grading reports of every state can be downloaded here.
Featured Image: Community Health Center