What Is NABH Accreditation?
NABH stands for National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers, an autonomous body under the Quality Council of India (QCI).
It sets strict healthcare quality standards and ensures that hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations deliver safe, reliable, and patient-centric services.
NABH accreditation is recognized nationally and internationally — confirming that a hospital follows transparent protocols, maintains patient safety, and delivers consistent medical care as per globally accepted norms.
Why Is NABH Accreditation Important for Hospitals?
Achieving NABH accreditation is not just a badge of honor — it’s proof of a hospital’s commitment to quality care and patient safety. Here’s why it matters:
1. Improved Patient Safety
Accredited hospitals follow standardized protocols for treatment, hygiene, and infection control, significantly reducing medical errors.
2. Enhanced Reputation & Trust
Patients and insurance providers view NABH-accredited hospitals as more trustworthy, boosting credibility and reputation.
3. Operational Efficiency
Hospitals adopting NABH standards streamline processes, improve coordination between departments, and optimize resource utilization.
4. Eligibility for Insurance & Government Panels
Many insurance companies and government health schemes prefer partnering with NABH-accredited institutions.
5. International Recognition
NABH is accredited by ISQua (International Society for Quality in Health Care), which gives hospitals global credibility — beneficial for attracting medical tourists.
Who Can Apply for NABH Accreditation?
NABH accreditation is open to a wide range of healthcare providers, including:
- Multispecialty and single-specialty hospitals
- Small healthcare organizations (up to 50 beds)
- Blood banks and laboratories
- Dental and eye clinics
- AYUSH hospitals and clinics
- Diagnostic and imaging centers
- Community and primary health centers
- Wellness and rehabilitation centers
Whether small or large, any healthcare facility committed to quality and safety can apply for accreditation.
Key NABH Standards for Hospitals
NABH accreditation is based on a set of 102 standards and 636 objective elements, divided into two major categories:
A. Patient-Centric Standards
Focus on the quality of care and patient experience:
- Access, Assessment & Continuity of Care (AAC)
- Care of Patients (COP)
- Management of Medication (MOM)
- Patient Rights & Education (PRE)
- Hospital Infection Control (HIC)
B. Organization-Centric Standards
Focus on hospital governance, infrastructure, and continuous improvement:
- Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
- Facility Management & Safety (FMS)
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Information Management System (IMS)
- Responsibility of Management (ROM)
Step-by-Step Process for NABH Accreditation
Getting NABH accreditation involves a structured evaluation process. Here’s how hospitals can achieve it:
1. Internal Preparation
Conduct a self-assessment against NABH standards. Identify areas of improvement in patient care, documentation, and facility management.
2. Application Submission
Apply online through the NABH portal and submit required documents and fees.
3. Pre-Assessment Visit
NABH assessors visit the facility to evaluate preparedness and point out areas that need correction.
4. Implementation & Corrective Action
Hospitals must implement suggested improvements and document all compliance measures.
5. Final Assessment
A detailed audit is conducted to verify compliance with NABH standards across departments and processes.
6. Accreditation Decision
If the hospital meets all requirements, NABH grants accreditation — valid for three years.
7. Continuous Monitoring
Hospitals must maintain ongoing quality checks and periodic audits to retain accreditation.
Common Challenges in NABH Accreditation
While accreditation brings immense benefits, hospitals often face these challenges:
- Upgrading infrastructure to meet safety standards
- Managing documentation and record systems
- Training staff for process compliance
- Sustaining quality standards post-accreditation
However, with consistent leadership commitment, proper training, and digital systems for record management, these challenges can be overcome efficiently.
Tips to Successfully Achieve NABH Accreditation
- Start with internal audits before applying.
- Train your staff across all levels on NABH protocols.
- Digitize documentation for easy compliance tracking.
- Engage an expert consultant familiar with the NABH process.
- Promote a quality-first culture — every team member matters.
Conclusion
NABH accreditation is a powerful step toward building a patient-focused, efficient, and globally trusted healthcare system.
For hospitals, it is not just about meeting standards — it’s about creating a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety.
By achieving NABH accreditation, hospitals gain a reputation for excellence and build lasting trust with patients, partners, and healthcare authorities.
