|
 In a significant move aimed at preserving the credibility of the accreditation process, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has issued a stern warning to healthcare organisations regarding the tampering or falsification of documents submitted for accreditation. The notice, numbered NABH/Gen/2024/2190, highlights the growing concern over unethical practices being adopted by some hospitals, including the submission of forged licenses and manipulated documents.
The notice explicitly states that such actions are both unethical and unlawful, with NABH reaffirming its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in healthcare delivery. Dr. Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO of NABH, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Such actions undermine the integrity of the accreditation process and compromise the trust that our stakeholders place in NABH as a quality brand."
Dr. Kochhar further reiterated NABH's zero-tolerance policy towards document tampering, adding that any healthcare organisation found guilty of such actions will face severe consequences. "Contravention by healthcare organisations shall lead to adverse decisions as per the policy of NABH, which could be outright rejection of the applicant's accreditation or withdrawal of existing accreditation with immediate effect. Furthermore, defaulters will be debarred from reapplying for a minimum of five years and may face legal action," he added.
The notice also warns that NABH will not hesitate to publish the names of defaulters on its official website, ensuring transparency in the process. NABH has called upon all healthcare organisations to strictly adhere to ethical conduct and comply with regulatory requirements to maintain the trust and credibility associated with the accreditation process.
In the notice, NABH encourages healthcare organisations to report any suspected instances of document forgery through their official complaints channel, reinforcing the importance of maintaining honesty and transparency.
Dr Kochhar urged hospitals to reaffirm their commitment to ethical practices, stating, "Together, let us uphold the principles of integrity and professionalism that define our collective mission in providing exemplary healthcare services."
"This announcement serves as a crucial reminder for healthcare organisations to act responsibly and ensure the authenticity of all documents submitted to regulatory bodies, as patient safety and quality of care remain the core focus of NABH’s accreditation process," he added.
|