What is NABH?
NABH — the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers — was established under the Quality Council of India (QCI) with support from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It is itself accredited by ISQua, the international body that accredits healthcare accreditation organisations, placing it on par with global benchmarks.
NABH sets over 600 standards spanning patient care, organisational practices and nursing services.
What it covers
- Patient safety and infection control
- Safe use of medicines
- Patient rights, consent and privacy
- Standard clinical processes and emergency preparedness
- Staff qualifications and training
- Continuous quality improvement and monitoring
What it means for you
- Processes are designed and audited to reduce errors
- Infection control practices are monitored
- Your rights to information and consent are respected
- The hospital is committed to measuring and improving care
- Accreditation is reviewed, so standards must be maintained
Smita Memorial Hospital's accreditations
- NABH accreditation for both Hospital and Nursing Excellence — the first hospital in Idukki district to achieve this
- Platinum Grade Green OT certification — the first in Idukki district, awarded on 10 August 2023; a Bureau Veritas protocol covering operating room airflow, safe anaesthetic systems, waste disposal and temperature and humidity control
- Eat Right Campus certification
- Member of CAHO (Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations)
The pharmacy's registered pharmacist performs quality checks in line with NABH standards, and the laboratory follows strict internal and external quality control.
Accreditation and your choices
Accreditation is one important signal of quality. When choosing where to be treated, also consider the specialists, facilities, emergency back-up and how well the team communicates with you.
Patient rights you can expect
- Respect, dignity and privacy
- Clear information about your condition, treatment options, risks and costs
- Informed consent before procedures
- Confidentiality of your medical information
- The right to a second opinion
- A way to raise concerns or complaints
Smita Memorial Hospital publishes information on patients' rights and responsibilities.
Your role in safe care
- Give complete and accurate information about your health and medicines
- Ask questions when you do not understand
- Check your name and details on wristbands and medicines
- Follow instructions on preparation, medicines and follow-up
- Tell staff if something seems wrong
- Respect hospital policies such as hand hygiene and visitor rules
Nursing excellence accreditation
NABH's nursing excellence accreditation focuses specifically on nursing care — staffing, training, patient assessment, safe medication practices, infection prevention and continuity of care. Smita Memorial Hospital is accredited for both Hospital and Nursing Excellence. In its Medical ICU, for example, the published nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:2, and 1:1 for critical cases.
Specialists you can consult
Frequently asked questions
Is NABH accreditation mandatory?
It is voluntary. Hospitals choose to be assessed against NABH standards.
Is Smita Memorial Hospital NABH accredited?
Yes — the first hospital in Idukki district accredited by NABH for both Hospital and Nursing Excellence.
What is Green OT certification?
A Bureau Veritas protocol for environmentally safe operating theatres. Smita Memorial Hospital holds the Platinum Grade, the highest.
Does accreditation guarantee outcomes?
No hospital can guarantee outcomes, but accreditation means processes are designed and audited for safety and quality.
Sources
- Accreditations & Certifications, smitahospital.com
- Operation Theatres, smitahospital.com
