87 more primary health centres to become family health centres

Tue Jan 13 15:34:47 UTC 2026: ### Kerala’s Aardram Mission Expands, Upgrading Primary Healthcare Infrastructure

The Story:
The Health Department of Kerala announced on January 13, 2026, that 87 more Primary Health Centres (PHCs) will be upgraded to Family Health Centres (FHCs) under the Aardram Mission. This brings the total number of PHCs transformed into FHCs to 750. The Aardram Mission focuses on improving infrastructure, facilities, and staffing at primary healthcare centers to provide better patient care. The state also boasts 5,516 Janakeeya Arogya Kendras (JAKs), formerly sub-centres, and 356 Urban Health Centres.

Key Points:
* 87 new PHCs to be upgraded to FHCs under Aardram Mission.
* A total of 750 PHCs have become FHCs.
* FHCs offer outpatient (OP) clinics from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Focus on patient-friendly facilities like waiting rooms, ramps, private examination rooms, and clean toilets.
* Construction completed in 913 hospitals; work progressing in 90 others.
* 290 public healthcare institutions received NQAS certification.

Key Takeaways:

• Kerala is actively investing in upgrading its primary healthcare infrastructure through the Aardram Mission.
• The focus is on improving both the physical facilities and the quality of services provided at PHCs.
• The initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and patient-friendly, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• NQAS certification indicates a commitment to national quality standards in healthcare delivery.

Impact Analysis:

The continued expansion of the Aardram Mission signifies a long-term commitment by the Kerala government to strengthen its primary healthcare system. This proactive approach likely aims to reduce the burden on tertiary healthcare facilities by providing accessible and quality care at the grassroots level. The emphasis on patient-friendly facilities and quality certification could lead to improved health outcomes and increased public trust in the healthcare system. The expansion could also positively impact Kerala’s healthcare indices, further solidifying its position as a leader in healthcare in India. The increase in JAKs and Urban Health Centres are also crucial since they serve as health infrastructure for remote populations.

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