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 In a significant development for healthcare quality assurance in India, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has announced the implementation plan for the 2nd Edition of NABH Accreditation Standards for Allopathic Clinics.
Dr Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO of NABH, outlined the detailed protocol that clinics must follow regarding accreditation stages, applicable editions, accreditation cycles, and validity periods.
The implementation plan encompasses various scenarios, including new applications, re-accreditation applications, and clinics awaiting Surveillance Assessments (SA). Notably, the plan provides flexibility for clinics with options regarding the edition under which they wish to be assessed, depending on their specific circumstances.
Clinics opting for assessment under the 2nd Edition are required to adhere to the revised standards, which aim to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare services provided by allopathic clinics across the country.
Key highlights of the implementation plan include new applications submitted from July 1, 2024, onwards will be assessed under the 2nd Edition, with a validity period of four years.
Clinics with pending applications and those awaiting Surveillance Assessments have been provided with clear guidelines on the applicable edition, accreditation cycle, and validity period based on their specific situations.
Re-accreditation applications due before and after October 1, 2024, will have the option to choose between the 1st and 2nd Editions, ensuring a smooth transition for accredited clinics.
Moreover, NABH has emphasized the importance of aligning with the 2nd Edition standards by discontinuing acceptance of new or renewal applications under the 1st Edition after June 30, 2024. Additionally, Surveillance Assessments under the 1st Edition will cease after October 1, 2024, signaling a complete transition to the revised standards.
This announcement underscores NABH's commitment to promoting excellence in healthcare delivery and ensuring patient safety through rigorous accreditation standards. The implementation plan is expected to streamline the accreditation process for allopathic clinics while raising the overall quality of healthcare services in India.
Healthcare stakeholders, including clinic administrators, healthcare professionals, and patients, are urged to familiarize themselves with the new standards and comply with the prescribed guidelines to maintain accreditation status and uphold quality standards in healthcare delivery.
The unveiling of the implementation plan marks a significant milestone in NABH's ongoing efforts to foster a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement in the Indian healthcare sector.
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