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Shot in the Arm for Healthcare

Initially, 14 hospitals, 67 primary health centres, three dentistry centres, 10 preventive health centres and the blood bank will be evaluated for accreditation over a period of six months following which a report will be submitted to the ministry.

The first such accreditation programme for the ministry establishments will start on January 17 and will be undertaken by the World Health Organisation approved International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).

Announcing the launch of the programme on Monday, the UAE Minister of Health Dr Hanif Hassan said achieving excellence in healthcare was an ongoing process.

“We have several hospitals under the ministry and health authorities while several others that are private, therefore, we need to pursue excellence in healthcare even further and work harder,” he said.

He said the newly formed Federal Health Authority had approved the project for the ministry hospitals and health centres which will also help end disparity in provision of healthcare services to the public.

To achieve accreditation as per international standards, healthcare organisations are expected to improve quality of their service and assess potential healthcare risks to patients.

“The accreditation is expected to set a healthcare benchmark, improve services, increase competition and reduce risks associated with injury and infections,” said the minister. “We also hope to attract more investment and professionals in the sector and reduce healthcare costs once the programme is implemented,” he added.

Chief Executive of ISQua, Roisin Boland said the accreditation would give a mark of approval to the organisation’s standards. “A safe system saves lives,” she said, adding that survey held in Ireland showed that the 70 per cent accreditation was 70 per cent effective after recommendations were implemented while patients and staff also felt the change.

Trained reviewers will evaluate the performance of the organisation and compare it with established performance standards.

“The accreditation should be reviewed after every four years so that the organisations can continue raising the quality bar,” said Boland.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE