OVERVIEW

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

CLIENT

The client for this project is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), working in close collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), Government of Assam. UNDP is providing technical and strategic support to NHM Assam in strengthening public health systems through digital transformation. Their joint focus is on enhancing outreach, assessment, and counselling initiatives across the state through the development and integration of digital platforms like the Pokhila Portal and Swasthya Seva Utsav Portal.

OBJECTIVE

The project aims to develop and maintain digital platforms that support the goals of NHM Assam. The primary objectives include digitalizing the Pokhila counselling initiative to enhance frontline health communication, and enhancing the Swasthya Seva Utsav portal to support large-scale health facility assessments.

Key goals are:

Enabling Real-Time Data Collection and Reporting During Outreach Health Camps and Counselling Sessions

The project is designed to facilitate instantaneous data entry and reporting during on-ground health activities such as Pokhila counselling sessions and Swasthya Seva Utsav outreach camps. Traditionally, data from such events was captured manually and compiled later, which often resulted in delays, inconsistencies, and data loss. By digitalizing this process, field health workers can use mobile devices or tablets to input data as services are delivered.

Providing a User-Friendly Mobile App and Web Portal for Data Entry, Tracking, and Analytics

To ensure high usability and adoption by field-level staff and administrators, the project includes the development of an intuitive mobile application and responsive web portal. These platforms are tailored for different user roles—such as ASHAs, ANMs, MOICs, and district-level officials—allowing them to easily enter data, monitor progress, and access reports.

Supporting Structured Evaluations Through IPHS and NQAS-Aligned Assessment Tools

The project integrates standardized assessment tools that align with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). These frameworks provide a structured approach to evaluating the readiness, service quality, and infrastructure compliance of public health facilities. By embedding IPHS and NQAS checklists directly into the portal and mobile app, the system allows health officials to conduct comprehensive facility assessments using predefined scoring mechanisms, qualitative feedback options, and evidence uploads (like photos or documents).

Improving Transparency and Administrative Control Through Centralized Dashboards and Role-Based Access

To promote accountability and enhance program oversight, the system features a centralized dashboard accessible to stakeholders at the state, district, and block levels. These dashboards consolidate real-time data from all active components—Pokhila counselling, Swasthya Seva Utsav camps, and facility assessments—into a single visual interface, enabling rapid decision-making and performance tracking.

WORKFLOWS

The implementation of the Swasthya Seva Utsav Portal involved well-defined and structured workflows to ensure smooth, real-time health facility assessments and efficient data management.

The workflows are categorized into two main streams:

1. Data Collection and Standardization Workflow

This workflow ensures consistent, clean, and uniform health facility data entry across all districts.

Checklist-Driven Data Entry:
Health facility assessments are conducted using digital checklists aligned with IPHS and NQAS standards. This ensures uniformity across all facilities and enables standardized evaluation.
Field-Level Input via Mobile App/Web Portal:
Authorized users (facility-level officers, district administrators) access the mobile application or web portal to input data related to infrastructure, service quality, staff availability, equipment, and hygiene conditions.
Photographic Evidence and Comments:
Users can upload photos and add comments as qualitative input for each checklist item, improving documentation.
Structured Format Enforcement:
All input fields follow fixed formats (drop-downs, numeric values, text boxes) to reduce data inconsistency or entry errors.
Follow-Up Entry Capability:
The system supports the ability to revisit and update facility data over time, helping track improvements or reported deficiencies.

2. Data Processing and Flow Workflow

This workflow manages how the collected data is stored, validated, analyzed, and presented for actionable decision-making.

Data Transmission to Central Server:
Once entered, the data is securely transmitted to a central dashboard hosted on AMTRON's cloud infrastructure.
Validation and Quality Checks:
Automated rules check for missing values, format mismatches, and duplicates. Incorrect or incomplete submissions are flagged for review.
Data Structuring and Storage:
The validated data is then structured into logical data sets and stored categorically (facility-level, block-level, district-level).
Real-Time Dashboard Generation:
The system generates dynamic dashboards showcasing performance indicators, status updates, and trends. These dashboards are accessible at state, district, and facility levels, depending on user roles.
Automated Report Generation:
Printable and downloadable reports are generated based on selected parameters (e.g., Facility type, District, Assessment cycle). Reports include visual graphs, compliance scores, and improvement areas.
Admin Controls and User Management:
Admins can manage users, assign roles (state/district/facility), and modify tools/checklists based on new program guidelines.

3. End-to-End Flow Summary

Preparation Phase:
- Sessions are created
- Checklist formats are uploaded
- Training is provided to users
Transaction Phase:
- Health assessments are conducted
- Data is entered into the system
- Photos and comments are added
Processing Phase:
- Data is transmitted to central server
- Validated and structured
- Dashboards and reports are updated
Monitoring Phase:
- Admins and stakeholders review data
- Trends and gaps are identified
- Decisions are taken for follow-up or intervention

TECHNOLOGY STACK

The solution is built using open-source technologies and consists of:

Layer	Technologies
Front-End	Angular
Back-End	Node.js
Databases	PostgreSQL
Mobile Application (Android)	For field data collection and survey execution.
Web Portal	For reporting, user management, and dashboard analytics.
Admin Module	To manage users and master data at various administrative levels.
Cloud Hosting	On AMTRON infrastructure, ensuring scalability and security.The application design is optimized for web, mobile, and tablet screens. Intellectual property and source code are owned by UNDP and Government of Assam.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Development of a Web-Based Digital Portal for State-Wide Health Facility Assessment

A fully functional web-based digital portal was developed to serve as the centralized platform for conducting, managing, and tracking health facility assessments across all districts of Assam. This portal acts as the backbone for the Swasthya Seva Utsav initiative, enabling real-time data management, performance tracking, and quality evaluation of public health infrastructure.

Integration of Customized Digital Assessment Tools Based on IPHS and NQAS

The system was embedded with digitized evaluation frameworks aligned with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). These tools ensured that all health facilities are assessed using uniform, evidence-based criteria, enabling objective benchmarking of services, infrastructure, human resources, and patient care practices.

Enablement of Data Entry Modules for Facility-Level Users

Facility-level users, such as Medical Officers and Supervisors, were given access to dedicated data entry modules. These modules allow them to enter assessment data directly into the portal and upload supporting evidence (documents, images, etc.). The system was designed to permit multiple uploads, facilitating progressive data updates and error corrections over time.

Real-Time Dashboards and Reporting Tools

The portal includes interactive dashboards that display health facility performance metrics at the state, district, block, and sub-district levels. These dashboards offer visual insights—such as graphs, color-coded scorecards, and maps—enabling policymakers and program managers to make data-driven decisions and monitor progress effectively.

Addition of New Assessment Pages for Specific Health Programs

To broaden its functionality, the portal was expanded with new modules specifically designed for:

Health & Wellness Center (HWC) Assessments
Kayakalp Program (focused on cleanliness and hygiene in health facilities)
NQAS (National Quality Assurance Standards)
LaQshya (focused on improving quality of care in labor rooms and maternity wings)

Role-Based Access Control and Administrative Rights

To maintain system integrity and proper governance, admin-level controls were introduced for managing user roles, permissions, and data visibility. This ensures that users at different levels (state, district, facility) can only access features relevant to their responsibilities, thereby ensuring security, privacy, and operational efficiency.

Implementation of a Trial Run Module for Pre-Assessment Data Entry

Before rolling out the official assessments, a trial run (mock entry) module was implemented. This allowed users to familiarize themselves with the system, input dummy data, and undergo training. It helped to validate the workflow and improve system usability before live data collection began.

Support for Cloud Hosting on AMTRON Servers

The portal was deployed on the Assam State Data Center (AMTRON servers) in alignment with NHM Assam’s IT infrastructure standards. Hosting on AMTRON ensured data sovereignty, local compliance, and optimal uptime for users across Assam’s remote and rural regions.

Open-Source Architecture with Government Ownership

The entire portal was developed using open-source technologies, ensuring no dependency on proprietary software. All intellectual property rights (IPR) and source code ownership were retained by UNDP and the Government of Assam, enabling future scalability and reuse across departments without licensing constraints.

RESULTS ACHIEVED

Enabled Real-Time Data Collection from 1264 Health Facilities Across Assam

The digital portal facilitated instantaneous data capture from a total of 1264 health facilities during assessments conducted under initiatives like Swasthya Seva Utsav. Health workers and facility staff used mobile or web interfaces to directly input data on-site, ensuring real-time availability of critical information to state and district health authorities.

Centralized Platform Ensured Standardized and Accurate Data Entry Using IPHS and NQAS

By integrating structured checklists aligned with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), the platform enforced uniform assessment criteria. This significantly improved the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of data collected across all facilities, regardless of location or personnel.

Integrated Interactive Dashboards and Automated Reports for Better Monitoring and Analysis

The platform included real-time visual dashboards and automated reporting features, enabling administrators and decision-makers to monitor performance indicators, identify trends, and generate customized reports across state, district, and facility levels without manual data processing.

Provided Multi-Level Access (Facility, District, State) for Decentralized Data Input and Centralized Control

A role-based access system was implemented, allowing facility-level users to input data, while district and state authorities could view aggregated insights and oversee progress. This ensured a balance between local autonomy in data entry and centralized oversight and quality control.

Allowed Repeat Data Uploads and Assessments for the Same Health Facility as Required

The system supported multiple rounds of data entry for the same facility, allowing for corrections,re-assessments, or phased data input. This feature enabled flexibility and iterative quality improvements over time, without requiring manual re-submissions or paperwork.

Incorporated Multiple Assessment Modules Like Health & Wellness Center Evaluations, Kayakalp, and Quality Tracking

The platform was expanded to support various program-specific assessment modules, including:

Health & Wellness Center (HWC) evaluations
Kayakalp assessments focusing on cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control
Quality tracking modules for standards like NQAS, LaQshya, etc.

This ensured a comprehensive view of facility performance across multiple national health programs.

Reduced Manual Effort and Administrative Workload Through Automation

By eliminating paper-based surveys and manual compilation, the platform significantly reduced administrative burden on field staff and district officers. Automation of calculations, scoring, reporting, and validation processes led to time savings, improved accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Supported Data-Driven Decision-Making for Program Managers and Policymakers

With real-time access to structured data, district and state-level health managers could make evidence-based decisions, such as prioritizing facility upgrades, allocating resources, identifying underperforming regions, and planning targeted interventions based on actual ground-level data.

Ensured Ownership of Source Code and Intellectual Property by UNDP and Government of Assam

The solution was developed as an open-source platform with complete ownership of source code and intellectual property rights retained by UNDP and the Government of Assam. This ensures long-term control, transparency, and the ability to modify or expand the system without vendor lock-in.

CONCLUSIONS

The collaboration between UNDP, NHM Assam, and Aieze Vertex Pvt. Ltd. marks a significant step in the digital transformation of public health in the state. By developing the Pokhila and Swasthya Seva Utsav portals, the project empowers frontline health workers, streamlines data management, and supports impactful health governance. The system not only strengthens field-level operations but also lays the foundation for long-term data-driven improvements in health service delivery.