Andhra Pradesh introduces new grading system to evaluate PHC performance

The Department of Health, Medical, and Family Welfare on Monday (July 27, 2026) introduced a new system to evaluate the performance of a Primary Health Centre, which is designed to measure health outcomes.According to a press release, under the present system, a PHC is assessed on the basis of five indicators: the number of outpatient (OP) visits, inpatient admissions, laboratory tests, deliveries, and the use of contraceptive services.Officials found that the system failed to reflect crucial health outcomes such as disease prevention, maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and continuity of patient care.To evaluate whether healthcare services have improved public health, the department is introducing a new grading system based on 21 key performance indicators, which includ