A Complete Guide to NABH Accreditation Standards for Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities

NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) accreditation has become a benchmark for quality, safety, and excellence in Indian healthcare. Whether you are a multi-specialty hospital, a small clinic, a diagnostic centre, or an AYUSH facility, NABH accreditation helps establish trust, improve clinical outcomes, and ensure regulatory compliance.

With the continuous expansion of NABH standards to cover diverse healthcare delivery models, healthcare organizations need to understand which accreditation applies to them and how to prepare effectively.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive overview of NABH accreditation standards and explain how expert guidance from Candour Solutions, NABH Consultants in Kochi, can simplify your accreditation journey.

Why NABH Accreditation Is Important for Hospitals & Clinics

NABH accreditation focuses on:

• Patient safety and quality of care
• Staff safety and competency
• Standardized clinical and administrative processes
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Continuous quality improvement

Accredited facilities benefit from improved operational efficiency, enhanced patient confidence, and recognition from insurers, government bodies, and international stakeholders.

Different Types of NABH Accreditation Standards in India

NABH has developed multiple accreditation programs to suit different types and sizes of healthcare organizations. These standards are periodically updated to align with evolving healthcare practices.

1. NABH Accreditation for Hospitals

Designed for large and medium hospitals, this standard covers:

• Patient rights and care
• Infection prevention and control
• Medication management
• Facility safety
• Quality improvement programs

2. Small Healthcare Organizations

Ideal for clinics, nursing homes, and small hospitals with limited bed strength, SHCO standards ensure quality care with simplified documentation requirements.

3. Entry-Level Hospital Standards

A step-by-step approach for hospitals beginning their quality journey, making NABH accessible to new or resource-limited facilities.

NABH Digital Health & HIS/EMR Accreditation Standards

With healthcare becoming increasingly digital, NABH has introduced dedicated standards for health IT systems.

• NABH Digital Health Standards for Hospitals
• HIS / EMR Systems
• Clinic Management System (CMS)
• Test Cases for NABH Digital Health Standards
• CMS System for Diabetes
• Cancer Care & Oncology Digital Health Standards

These standards focus on data security, interoperability, patient data accuracy, and compliance with best practices in digital health.

NABH Accreditation for Clinics, Laboratories & Diagnostic Centres

NABH provides specialized standards for diagnostic services to ensure accuracy and safety.

• Medical Laboratory
• Medical Imaging Services
• Blood Bank & Transfusion Services
• Blood Storage Centres

These standards emphasize quality control, biosafety, equipment calibration, and staff competency.

Clinic-Specific NABH Accreditation Programs

For outpatient-focused facilities, NABH offers:

• Allopathic Clinics
• Dental Healthcare Service Providers (DHSP)
• Entry-Level Certification for Dental Clinics
• Eye Care Organizations

These programs help clinics build credibility and standardize patient care without the complexity of full hospital accreditation.

AYUSH & Wellness-Focused NABH Standards

NABH has tailored accreditation standards for traditional and alternative medicine systems, including:

• Ayurveda Hospitals
• Yoga & Naturopathy Centres
• Unani Hospitals
• Siddha Hospitals
• Homeopathy Hospitals
• Panchakarma Clinics
• AYUSH Treatment & Wellness Centres
• Entry-Level AYUSH Centres & Hospitals

These standards preserve the integrity of traditional treatment while ensuring patient safety and standardized operations.

Specialized Healthcare Accreditation Programs

NABH also addresses niche and emerging healthcare needs through:

• Emergency Department Accreditation
• Stroke Centre
• Dementia-Friendly Hospital
• Care Homes
• Primary Healthcare Centres
• Nursing Excellence
• Clinical Trials (Ethics Committees)

Each standard focuses on specific patient populations, clinical protocols, and infrastructure requirements.

Sustainability & Future-Ready Healthcare Standards

Recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility, NABH introduced:

• Climate Action & Sustainability in Healthcare

This standard promotes energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable healthcare practices.

Choosing the Right NABH Accreditation for Your Facility

Selecting the appropriate NABH standard depends on:

• Type of healthcare service
• Size of the facility
• Level of care provided
• Digital infrastructure
• Long-term growth plans

Incorrect selection can lead to delays, increased costs, or failed assessments-making expert NABH consultation crucial.

How Candour Solutions Supports Your NABH Accreditation Journey

Candour Solutions, a trusted NABH consultancy in Kochi, provides end-to-end support for hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and healthcare organizations across Kerala and India.

Our NABH Consulting Services Include:

• NABH gap analysis & facility assessment
• Accreditation standard selection
• Documentation support & policy development
• Staff training & mock audits
• Digital health & HIS/EMR compliance guidance
• Pre-assessment & final audit preparation
• Post-accreditation quality improvement support

With hands-on experience across multiple NABH standards, Candour Solutions ensures a smooth, cost-effective, and timely accreditation process.

Final Thoughts

NABH accreditation is no longer optional-it is a strategic investment in quality, safety, and long-term sustainability for healthcare organizations. With over 30 specialized accreditation programs now available, understanding and implementing the right standard is key to success.

If you are planning for NABH accreditation or need expert guidance at any stage of the process, Candour Solutions – NABH Consultants in Kochi are here to help.

For any NABH-related queries, assessments, or consultations, reach out to Candour Solutions today and take the first step toward quality excellence in healthcare.