NABH International (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers)

After completing the “Workshop on Implementing International Accreditation Standards for Hospitals and Clinics”, 45 Hospital in the Philippines are on step closer to international accreditation. The workshop was conducted by NABH International (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) in the Philippines, which is an accreditation agency certifying hospitals and healthcare providers following world-class quality standards recognized by the ISQua (International Society for Quality in Healthcare). ISQua is the accrediting body that recognizes accreditation agencies overseeing healthcare organizations worldwide. The ISQua Council includes 17 accreditation agencies from varies countries, of which the NABH International is one.

The role of HealthCORE and NABH International

“In the Philippines, when people from the health sector think of getting international accreditation, they automatically think of JCI, but JCI is just one of several agencies that certify hospitals that meet international standards of medical care,” says Juris Soliman, the CEO of HealthCORE, organizing the event. Through sessions and exercises, the participating hospital representatives gained valuable information as to the accreditation process. Joyce Alumno, founder and executive Director of HealthCORE stated that NABH will continue to provide assistance to Filipino hospitals through workshops about accreditation. “It takes a considerable investment and a lot of work to obtain international accreditation, but the rewards are worth it. All stakeholders in our health care system stand to benefit. Patients stand to receive world-class medical care. Hospitals will open themselves to the international market through medical tourism as international HMOs and foreign patients will take confidence in our hospitals. It stimulates continuous improvement so we are able to upgrade, expand and hire more medical workers. The overall healthcare standards of the Philippines will improve,” Alumno explains.

First step to international accreditation

The first step to international accreditation is to learning the global benchmarks. This will provide greater hope that more Filipino hospitals and healthcare facilities will attain the world-class seal of quality in patient care and medical practice.

The future for medical tourism in the Philippines

Joyce Alumno, Executive Director & Chief Strategist at HealthCORE

Joyce Alumno has great hopes for medical tourism in the Philippines. She says “The Philippines is home to an army of healthcare professionals that are competent, caring, compassionate and culturally adaptable. It offers world-class care at the right value. It had the first heart center in Asia and was the first to perform renal transplantation. The Philippines is also able to combine medical, wellness and retirement as an attractive proposition for people seeking true healthcare. At the backdrop are beautiful beaches, lush sceneries, great shopping and nice weather throughout the year.” She continues, “The industry is still at its infancy stage but is quickly growing acceptance matched by a growing demand from rich and developed countries. However, there is no organized framework that governs the industry at the moment that could lead to social imbalance and potential health and legal risks if not properly regulated. In order to sustain this growth, transparence, commitment to high standards of quality and safety and equitable healthcare deliver must be foremost in mind.