NABH Certifies 100 Hospitals for Digital Health

Launched in 2023, the certification program has seen 300 hospitals apply, with 100 successfully achieving certification so far.

The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has announced that 100 hospitals across India have received digital health certification, as part of a major initiative to overhaul healthcare services and improve patient care.

Launched in 2023, the certification program has seen 300 hospitals apply, with 100 successfully achieving certification so far.

Speaking at a recent event, NABH chairperson Rizwan Koita emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting best practices in healthcare through technology.

“This initiative will streamline healthcare operations, ensuring that hospitals adhere to standardized, high-quality processes,” Koita said.

He highlighted that the certification is expected to improve patient outcomes by integrating automated systems that guide healthcare professionals through clinical protocols.

NABH’s Certification

The digital certification aims to standardize hospital practices by embedding software-driven protocols that cover various aspects of patient care, including registration, ICU management, inpatient and outpatient services, and emergency care.

The process involves self-evaluation by hospitals, followed by external assessments, which determine whether hospitals receive platinum or gold-level certification based on their performance.

The assessment evaluates hospitals across seven key areas, including infrastructure, data security, information flow, and digital processes. Hospitals must meet stringent requirements to ensure that they are digitally equipped to provide efficient and secure healthcare services.

Upcoming Certification for Health Software

In addition to hospitals, NABH is set to launch a world-first digital health certification for software products such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems and Health Information Systems (HIS).

Applications for software certification will open on December 1, enabling companies to apply for standards that ensure their digital solutions meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers.

This dual certification approach, targeting both hospitals and software, is expected to reshape healthcare delivery across India.

NABH’s Other Plans

NABH’s future plans include extending digital standards to specialized healthcare sectors such as cancer, diabetes, and maternal care. The organization aims to embed digital protocols for these critical areas into healthcare software, enhancing both accessibility and quality.

Hinduja Hospital, one of the 100 accredited hospitals, welcomed the certification as a valuable tool for assessing digital readiness. Although the certification does not currently offer direct monetary benefits, hospital officials see it as a way to ensure quality healthcare standards.

Addressing the importance of data security, Joy Chakraborty, chief operating officer of P D Hinduja Hospital, highlighted the increasing threat of cyberattacks on healthcare facilities.

“Maintaining data security and privacy is crucial as hospitals face a growing number of cyber threats,” Chakraborty said, adding that Hinduja Hospital pursued the certification to maintain healthcare quality across its network.

Chakraborty also acknowledged the economic challenges smaller hospitals face in adopting digital technologies.

While larger hospital chains have more resources to implement digital standards, much of India’s healthcare sector remains unorganized and struggles with digital integration.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.