QCI
QCI (Quality Council of India) certification through NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) is a mandatory quality requirement for private hospitals seeking empanelment with Government health schemes such as CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) and ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme).
NABH, a constituent board of QCI, acts as the authorized assessment and recommendation body, ensuring hospitals meet nationally accepted standards of patient safety, clinical quality, and healthcare governance.
Role of QCI / NABH
- Evaluates hospitals against CGHS/ECHS-specific quality standards
- Functions as an independent quality assessment authority under QCI
- Issues recommendations for empanelment to CGHS and ECHS authorities
Application Process
- Applications are submitted online only through the NABH portal
- Offline or physical applications are not accepted
- Hospitals may apply for CGHS, ECHS, or both, based on eligibility
Assessment & Recommendation
- NABH conducts desktop review and/or onsite assessments
- Assessment covers:
– Infrastructure and statutory compliance
– Clinical processes and patient safety
– Infection prevention and control
– Quality indicators and documentation
- NABH forwards recommendations to CGHS/ECHS authorities
Mandatory Requirement for Empanelment
QCI/NABH certification is essential to:
- Obtain CGHS/ECHS empanelment
- Continue providing services to beneficiaries
- Renew empanelment as per scheme guidelines
Entry Level Certification
- Facilitates Entry-Level NABH certification
- Supports hospitals in establishing quality systems
- Acts as a preparatory pathway towards CGHS/ECHS empanelment
Process Flow for CGHS / ECHS Empanelment
- Review eligibility criteria
- Apply online through NABH portal
- Undergo NABH assessment
- Receive NABH recommendation
- Final empanelment approval by CGHS/ECHS authorities