The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), at the NABH Patient Safety Conference (NPSC 2023) held recently, emphasised on Quality in Patient Safety and Digital Health along with its role in improving healthcare quality, access and cost-effectiveness. While an MoU was signed between NABH and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for establishing a Chair of Quality in the University, the exchange of an MoU to promote Digital Health Initiatives occurred between NABH and Koita Foundation.
During the conference, NABH and NATHEALTH signed an MoU for Healthcare Quality Promotional Initiatives. In addition, the participants and dignitaries of the conference watched the unveiling of the NABH-NATHEALTH Patient Safety Microsite, “Choose Safer Healthcare”.
Prof (Dr) Mahesh Verma, Chairperson, NABH, said in the statement, “On one hand, the establishment of the Chair of Quality at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University will signify our commitment to nurture the leaders of tomorrow by instilling a culture of excellence that will permeate the entire healthcare ecosystem. Our focus on promoting digital health initiatives in collaboration with Koita Foundation and NATHEALTH, on the other hand, holds the promise of revolutionizing patient safety. By harnessing the power of technology, we aim to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy of healthcare services, aligned with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.”
The conference also saw release of new standards including the first edition of Digital Health Accreditation Standards for Hospitals, Entry-Level Certification Standards for Dental Clinics, Certification Standards for Stroke Care Centres, Care Home Accreditation Standards; second edition of Allopathic Clinics Accreditation Standards comprising dialysis, dermatology and day care and 3rd edition of Accreditation Standards for Dental Service Providers, aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and ensuring patient safety at the grassroots level.
Mentioning the link between technology and patient safety, Dr Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO, NABH, also said in the statement, “In this digital age, the fusion of healthcare and technology is not merely an option; it’s an imperative. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) stands as a beacon, illuminating our path towards harnessing digital health solutions to improve patient safety. NABH recognises the urgency and potential of this mission. Our pledge is to play a key role in driving the nationwide adoption of Digital Health (DH) standards and practices, aligning seamlessly with the ABDM framework.”
