Question 1

What is NABH accreditation?

Accepted Answer

NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India. Its accreditation shows that a hospital or clinic meets national standards for patient safety and quality of care, verified by independent assessors.

Question 2

What is the full form of NABH?

Accepted Answer

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers.

Question 3

Is NABH accreditation mandatory?

Accepted Answer

It is voluntary, but it is increasingly required for empanelment with government health schemes and insurers. In Karnataka, NABH-accredited facilities also get KPME registration or renewal within 10 days without inspection under the 2026 amendment.

Question 4

Who runs NABH?

Accepted Answer

NABH is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI).

Question 5

Is NABH internationally recognised?

Accepted Answer

NABH holds ISQua EEA accreditation as an organisation and for its standards, as shown on its official documents.

Question 6

Which NABH programme is right for my hospital?

Accepted Answer

Hospitals with more than 50 beds usually take Hospital Accreditation; 50 beds or fewer can take SHCO accreditation or Entry Level certification. Clinics, dental, eye, imaging, AYUSH and blood centres have their own programmes.

Question 7

What is the difference between NABH accreditation and certification?

Accepted Answer

Accreditation is full assessment against comprehensive standards; certification (such as Entry Level) checks an entry level of quality standards and is often a first step.

Question 8

Can government or teaching hospitals apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NABH programmes are open to public hospitals and teaching institutions.

Question 9

Is there NABH for labs?

Accepted Answer

NABH runs a Medical Laboratory certification; full laboratory accreditation is through NABL.

Question 10

How much does NABH accreditation cost?

Accepted Answer

The annual accreditation fee for hospitals is Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh plus GST depending on beds, and Rs 1.5 lakh plus GST for SHCOs. Entry Level certification costs Rs 21,000 to Rs 2 lakh for a 2-year cycle. See NABH fees.

Question 11

How long is NABH accreditation valid?

Accepted Answer

NABH says most accreditations are valid for three to four years, with a surveillance assessment mid-cycle. Entry Level certification is valid for two years.

Question 12

What is the Entry Level fee for a 20-bed hospital?

Accepted Answer

Rs 40,000 for the 2-year cycle (6-20 beds), from 1 June 2025.

Question 13

Is GST charged on NABH fees?

Accepted Answer

NABH lists hospital and SHCO annual accreditation fees as plus GST at 18%.

Question 14

Which edition of the NABH hospital standards applies now?

Accepted Answer

The 6th edition, effective from 1 January 2025. Entry Level certification uses its 2nd edition standards from 1 January 2026.

Question 15

What do NABH standards cover?

Accepted Answer

Patient-centric and organisation-centric areas: care continuum and outcomes, patient rights, medication management, infection control, facility management and human resources, among others.

Question 16

Does following E-Mitra templates guarantee certification?

Accepted Answer

No. NABH states that downloading policies from E-Mitra does not by itself assure accreditation or certification; they must be adapted and implemented.

Question 17

How do I apply for NABH?

Accepted Answer

Online, on the NABH portal for your programme, after implementing the standards and self-assessing.

Question 18

Who assesses my hospital?

Accepted Answer

NABH-empanelled assessors carry out the onsite assessment.

Question 19

What if we have non-conformities?

Accepted Answer

NABH gives a report and a reasonable time to close them.

Question 20

Is there a surveillance visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a mid-cycle surveillance assessment checks continued compliance.

Question 21

Does NABH help with KPME registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the 2026 KPME amendment, an NABH-accredited facility is to be granted KPME registration or renewal within 10 days without inspection. See KPME registration.

Question 22

Do I need KPME before NABH?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NABH assessors check valid statutory licences, and KPME is the core licence in Karnataka.

Question 23

How do I verify a NABH certificate?

Accepted Answer

Use the "Find a Healthcare Organisation" and certificate verification options on nabh.co.

Question 24

Does Medasus give NABH accreditation?

Accepted Answer

No. Only NABH grants accreditation. Medasus is a consultancy that prepares your hospital: gap analysis, documents, training, mock assessment and support through NABH's assessment.

Question 25

Where is Medasus based?

Accepted Answer

Bengaluru, Karnataka. We support hospitals and clinics across the state.

Question 26

How do I start?

Accepted Answer

Send your facility type, beds and city through the form or WhatsApp +91 99165 15255 for a free readiness check.

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