Health Ministry Urges States to Implement 157 Standard Treatment Workflows

The ICMR developed these Standard Treatment Workflows in collaboration with the NHA and the WHO's India Country Office.

The Union Health Ministry has called on all states to implement 157 Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) across 28 medical specialties.

Developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), these STWs are designed to ensure uniform standards of care in hospitals and promote the rational use of essential drugs and diagnostics.

In a letter addressed to the principal secretaries of health in all states and Union Territories, as well as to the National Medical Commission (NMC) for dissemination in medical colleges, union health secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the importance of integrating these workflows into the healthcare system.

The letter highlighted the need for a simplified and updated approach to medical guidelines due to the rapidly evolving nature of medical science.

One-Pager App-Based Tool for Doctors

Chandra noted that the extensive and constantly expanding body of medical knowledge necessitates a practical and accessible tool for healthcare providers.

The STWs are presented as one-page, app-based documents that provide concise guidance to treating physicians.

The Government of India has made these workflows available for adoption by all healthcare providers and intended them for use at all levels of healthcare, from primary to tertiary care.

Collaboration & Development of STWs

The ICMR developed these STWs in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) and the World Health Organization's India country office.

They are designed to address common and serious diseases encountered in the Indian healthcare system. The primary goal of these workflows is to standardize care across the public health system in India.

Chandra stressed the importance of these STWs in fostering effective patient management and promoting the rational use of essential healthcare resources.

The workflows have been created by national experts who have extensive experience in patient care and are tailored to the unique considerations of the Indian healthcare system.

Availability & Access

The 157 STWs are available on the ICMR website and can be downloaded as a mobile app for both Android and iOS platforms.

Chandra urged state health departments and the NMC to promote the use of these workflows among physicians to enhance the quality and consistency of care across the country.

The union health secretary concluded by seeking the support and cooperation of all health departments to ensure the widespread adoption and utilization of these STWs in the Indian public health care system.