Each region around the world will have a different method and diverse processes to implement accreditation policies in their facility. The U.S has very strict accreditation regulations with the majority of hospitals being accredited by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO —a private non-profit organization). JCAHO has accredited 17,000 healthcare organizations and programs which shows how committed the facilities are to providing quality care for their patients.
A few European countries namely France, Belgium and Scotland have accreditation programs that are implemented by the government officials to ensure quality standards are being met. France has been ranked by the WHO as having the best healthcare system in the world, and has a high rate of patient satisfaction. France has ‘La Haute Autorite de Sante’ which is the local governmental accreditation body.
The UK operates an effective system of healthcare facility accreditation via the Healthcare Accreditation and Quality Unit (HAQU), which was previously referred to as the Health Quality Service. This accrediting body specializes in the administration of healthcare organizations and implements appropriate regulations for its effective management.
South Africa has contracted with the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa, a non-profit organization that implements the accreditation policies in the nation. The cost of the accreditation is borne by the region in where the facility is located which makes the process of accreditation appealing to hospitals. Canada has implemented a similar procedure with the government contracting with Accreditation Canada which is an independent body that operates in a manner similar to JCI.
India, which has catapulted to becoming one of the most popular medical tourism destinations, has its own accreditation body known as the National Accreditation Board for Hospital and Healthcare Providers. It falls under the umbrella of the Quality Council of India which has been established to benchmark the quality of healthcare standards within India.
