Chhapra: A team from the state govt’s LaQshya initiative visited the Sonepur sub-divisional hospital in Saran on Thursday and Friday to assess the facility for certification under the programme.The certification is expected to enhance the quality of care provided to patients, particularly mothers and newborns.LaQshya, an initiative of the Union ministry of health and family welfare, is aimed at improving the quality of care in labour rooms and maternity operation theatres during childbirth and the immediate postpartum period. One of its primary objectives is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by ensuring standardised, patient-centred care.During the assessment, the hospital was evaluated through eight key parameters – provision of services, patient rights, input availability, support services, clinical practices, infection control, quality management and overall service delivery. Following the assessment, the report will be sent to the Union ministry of health and family welfare.After this stage, a national-level team will conduct an independent audit of the hospital. A facility that scores at least 70% in the evaluation becomes eligible for certification.Medical officer-in-charge Dr Poonam, district project coordinator Ramesh Chandra Kumar and other officials were present during the assessment.Commenting on the visit, Saran civil surgeon Dr Sagar Dulal Sinha said, “After certification, this hospital will be able to offer improved facilities to pregnant women and newborns.”District project coordinator Ramesh Chandra Kumar added, “Once certified, this hospital will see qualitative improvements in reducing the mother-child mortality rate.”