FAQs – Hospitals

The accreditation process involves a series of well-defined steps:

• Selecting the appropriate programme
• Studying and implementing the relevant standards/li>
• Conducting a self-assessment
• Submitting documents and fees
• Undergoing an onsite assessment by NABH-empanelled assessors

Following a successful assessment and closure of any non-conformities, the organisation is granted accreditation. Facilities are encouraged to maintain compliance through regular internal audits and ongoing quality improvements.

Yes. NABH offers specially designed programmes such as SHCO Accreditation and Entry-Level Certification that are well-suited for small and rural hospitals. These initiatives are practical, affordable, and easy to implement, making it possible for hospitals in remote or semi-urban areas to adopt structured quality and safety practices. By beginning with these programmes, hospitals can establish a strong foundation for continuous improvement and seamlessly progress to higher levels of accreditation over time.

Most NABH accreditations are valid for a period of three to four years. During this time, the organisation is required to undergo a mid-cycle surveillance assessment to ensure continued compliance. For renewal, the facility must demonstrate sustained adherence to NABH standards, submit updated documentation, and complete a fresh assessment process. This cycle ensures that quality is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing institutional commitment.

NABH offers comprehensive support to help healthcare providers succeed in their accreditation journey. This includes:

• Programme on Implementation (POI) workshops for hands-on training
• Free Awareness Programmes, Continual Quality Improvement and Clinical Audit Workshop
• Monthly masterclasses on specific standards or quality topics
• Access to manuals, guidance documents, and toolkits under the Digital Library
• Email and phone support from the NABH team and regional coordinators

These resources are designed to assist organisations at every stage—from initial preparation to post-accreditation compliance.

The fee for accreditation varies depending on the chosen programme, number of beds, services offered, and complexity of operations. The structure is intentionally scaled to be affordable, especially for small and mid-sized organisations. Fees typically include application charges, assessment costs, and certification fees, and are transparently defined by NABH for each programme.

NABH standards are majorly divided into patient-centric and organisation centric standards and cover all key domains of healthcare delivery, including:

• Clinical care continuum and outcomes
• Patient rights and care processes
• Medication management and infection control
• Infrastructure and facility management
• Human resource competence and training
• Emergency preparedness and safety
• Documentation and internal audits
• Continuous quality improvement mechanisms

These standards ensure that healthcare delivery is not only safe and effective but also ethical and transparent.

NABH recognises that quality improvement is a journey. If a facility falls short during the initial assessment, it is provided with a report outlining the non-conformities, along with a reasonable timeframe to address them. NABH also provides advisory support and encourages facilities to keep progressing toward full compliance.

Yes. NABH accreditation is increasingly being accepted as a quality requirement for empanelment under government healthcare schemes, insurance providers, and corporate health programmes. It assures payers and patients alike that the facility meets a defined standard of care, safety, and ethics—making it a valuable differentiator in a competitive ecosystem.

Absolutely. NABH programmes are open to public sector hospitals, teaching institutions, armed forces facilities, and railway hospitals, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria. Many government-run institutions have already achieved accreditation or certification, using it as a tool to strengthen clinical governance and public trust.

Yes. NABH conducts regular training sessions, both directly and through its network of certified trainers and assessors. These trainings cover implementation strategies, best practices, and programme-specific standards.

No, not all documents available on E-Mitra are universally applicable. Each healthcare organisation has unique characteristics, such as scope of services, size, location, and complexity. Therefore, the resources provided—like guidelines, formats, and checklists—must be carefully reviewed and customised to reflect the organisation’s actual operations. The intent of E-Mitra is to provide a framework that each HCO can adapt to ensure meaningful and context-specific implementation of NABH standards.

No, simply downloading and implementing documents from E-Mitra does not guarantee the award of NABH accreditation or certification. Accreditation is granted based on the hospital’s actual implementation of quality practices and compliance with all applicable NABH standards during the assessment process. The E-Mitra resources are supportive in nature, and the hospital must ensure they are effectively adopted and demonstrated during assessments.

Yes, the E-Mitra resources are designed to be broadly applicable across various NABH accreditation and certification programmes, including those for Hospitals (HCOs), Small Healthcare Organisations (SHCOs), Eye Care Organisations (EH), Dental Clinics, CHCs, Blood Banks, and others. The materials provided are generic and intended to offer foundational support that can be refined based on the specific programme under which the HCO is applying.

Yes, E-Mitra includes sample draft policies, SOPs, and formats which serve as reference materials. These drafts are structured according to NABH requirements and outline essential elements that should be included in operational and administrative documents. While these templates provide a strong starting point, healthcare organisations are expected to modify and align them with their internal systems, workforce, and infrastructure.

Yes, E-Mitra is designed to assist in preparation for both pre-assessment and final assessment stages. By referring to the checklists, policies, and process guidelines available on the platform, organisations can conduct gap analyses and prepare documentation in compliance with NABH standards. The resources also help in familiarising staff with assessment requirements and common areas of non-conformance.

No, there is no cost associated with accessing the documents and resources available on the E-Mitra platform. NABH provides these materials as part of its commitment to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in India, particularly to support smaller and resource-limited organisations who may otherwise struggle to obtain consultancy support.

NABH E-Mitra can be accessed through the official NABH website at www.nabh.co. Once on the website, users can navigate to the E-Mitra section (https://nabh.co/e-mitra/) where all available resources are categorised and downloadable. The platform is open to all without the requirement of login credentials, making it easily accessible to healthcare providers nationwide.

The E-Mitra platform hosts a repository of practical tools and guidance documents such as sample policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), formats, forms, and both general and department-specific checklists. These resources can be downloaded and tailored to align with the hospital’s services, infrastructure, and staff roles. The platform is designed to support hospitals through various stages of accreditation, from initial understanding to readiness for assessment.

E-Mitra is intended for any healthcare organisation or individual involved in healthcare quality and safety, who is seeking NABH accreditation or certification. This includes large hospitals, small clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, day care centres, and diagnostic centres. It is also beneficial for quality managers, hospital administrators, and consultants who are involved in documentation and compliance processes related to NABH standards.

NABH E-Mitra is a comprehensive online platform launched by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). Its purpose is to assist healthcare organisations (HCOs) and small healthcare organisations (SHCOs) in the smooth understanding, interpretation, and implementation of NABH standards. E-Mitra serves as a digital bridge, enabling applicants to access structured guidance and support remotely. This initiative promotes quality improvement across healthcare facilities by making resources accessible without the need for physical consultations.