Healthcare in India is at a crossroads. With over 70% of healthcare services controlled by the private sector, one would assume that these hospitals maintain high standards. However, only 1% of private hospitals in India are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). This raises a crucial question—how can we ensure quality healthcare for all?
Why is Hospital Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures that hospitals maintain high-quality standards in patient care, infrastructure, and medical ethics. The NABH, under the Quality Council of India (QCI), has set 683 parameters that hospitals must meet to receive accreditation. For entry-level accreditation, hospitals must comply with at least 150 parameters.
Current Scenario of Accredited Hospitals in India
- India has 80,671 private hospitals, but only 536 are NABH-accredited.
- NABH accreditation is voluntary, meaning hospitals must apply themselves.
- Accreditation is valid for only three years, after which renewal is required.
- Failure to meet quality standards during renewal can lead to accreditation cancellation.
Challenges in Achieving Accreditation
Despite the clear benefits, most hospitals avoid seeking NABH accreditation due to:
- Strict Compliance Standards – The process is rigorous and requires significant infrastructure upgrades.
- High Costs – Meeting NABH norms demands substantial investment in quality improvement.
- Lack of Awareness & Motivation – Many hospitals do not see accreditation as a necessity.
Government Initiatives to Encourage Accreditation
The Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme aims to provide free healthcare coverage to 50 crore Indians. To encourage NABH-accredited hospitals to participate, the government has introduced incentives:
- Accredited hospitals get 15% higher reimbursement for treatments.
- Non-accredited hospitals receive only a 10% incentive.
- Over 8,000 private hospitals have already joined the scheme.
Prominent Hospitals Under Ayushman Bharat
Leading private hospital chains such as Max, Fortis, Medanta, and Rockland have joined Ayushman Bharat but only on an individual basis, not as a group. Additionally, government hospitals like AIIMS and Safdarjung are still not NABH-accredited, raising concerns about public healthcare quality.
The Future of Quality Healthcare in India
To ensure every Indian receives world-class healthcare, the government must:
- Make NABH accreditation mandatory for hospitals under insurance schemes.
- Provide financial aid to small hospitals to upgrade infrastructure.
- Raise public awareness about the importance of accredited hospitals.
Final Thoughts
With 16 lakh Indians dying each year due to poor healthcare services, improving hospital quality is not an option—it is a necessity. While Ayushman Bharat has taken a positive step, ensuring widespread accreditation is the key to transforming India’s healthcare sector.
FAQs
1. How many hospitals in India are NABH-accredited?
As of now, only 536 hospitals are fully accredited, while 1750 hospitals hold entry-level certification.
2. How does NABH accreditation benefit patients?
Accredited hospitals ensure better patient safety, advanced treatment facilities, and ethical medical practices.
3. Is NABH accreditation mandatory for hospitals?
No, it is currently voluntary, but hospitals that join Ayushman Bharat receive higher reimbursements if accredited.
Would you trust a hospital without accreditation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!