Entry Level Small Healthcare Organisation (SHCO) Certification Programme
Tailored for Small Healthcare Organisations (with up to 50 beds), this programme provides a step-by-step approach to adopting basic quality and safety practices. It focuses on realistic standards suited to resource-constrained settings, enabling smaller facilities to formalise SOPs, train staff, and improve clinical outcomes. Certification improves community trust, simplifies compliance with regulatory norms, and paves the way for empanelment. It also prepares SHCOs to scale up toward accreditation when ready.
- Designed for Smaller Setups:
This programme provides small healthcare organisations with a clear, achievable roadmap to implement core quality and safety standards suited to their scale and resources. - Improved Patient Safety and Clinical Protocols:
By focusing on documented SOPs, infection prevention, and patient rights, the certification enhances care delivery, even in low-resource environments. - Operational Clarity and Accountability:
certified SHCOs benefit from streamlined internal processes, improved record-keeping, and defined roles—leading to more efficient and accountable operations. - Empanelment and Financial Access:
Certified SHCOs are better positioned for empanelment under government schemes and insurance panels, broadening their reach and financial sustainability. - Support from NABH Ecosystem:
From toolkits and formats to mentorship and training, NABH provides extensive support to help SHCOs complete the certification journey successfully. - Platform for Long-Term Growth:
Entry level certification lays a strong foundation for these organisations to eventually pursue accreditation and expand their service capabilities.
All allopathic hospitals with inpatient and/or daycare beds having up to 50 sanctioned beds are eligible to apply under the Entry Level Certification Programme (SHCO) through the NABH HOPE portal.
All aspiring healthcare organisations can apply for certification by registering online on the NABH HOPE portal. Please refer to the General Information Brochure available on the programme page for guidance.
Entry Level for SHCO Certification Programme (1st Edition April 2014)
| Up to 5 Beds | 6-20 Beds | 21-50 Beds |
| Certification fees for 2 years: 21,000/- Virtual Assessment Fee: 3,000/- Focus assessment: 15,000/- Re-issue of certificate: 6,000/- |
Certification fees for 2 years: 40,000/- Discounted Fee till 30th September 2026: 30,000/- Virtual Assessment Fee: 3,000/- Focus assessment: 15,000/- Re-issue of certificate: 6,000/- |
Certification fees for 2 years: 80,000/- Discounted Fee till 30th September 2026: 48,000/- Virtual Assessment Fee: 3,000/- Focus assessment: 15,000/- Re-issue of certificate: 6,000/- |
18% GST applicable extra.
NABH conducts regular Programme on Implementation (POI) training sessions to help hospitals understand and implement the standards.
NABH also conducts Quality Connect masterclasses monthly on topics such as KPIs, Infection Control, and more.
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