UAE leads the world in highest number of JCI-accredited organisations

Dubai, 11th January, 2016 (WAM) -- The UAE has lead the world in having the largest number of JCI-accredited organisations. The JCI is the oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care in the United States that evaluates more than 20,000 organisations and inspires them to excel in providing safe and effective care. The Ministry Health said the UAE has more than 100 health facilities which have earned the Gold Seal of Approval of the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s largest health care accreditor, following achievement of excellence in adoption of creative solutions and international best practices in areas of high quality clinical services, patient safety, health infrastructure and facilities. The UAE, the ministry, added, has adopted internationally-accredited protocols and standards in clinical care. The UAE has redrawn the global competitiveness landscape by scoring high rankings in many international indexes, reports and benchmarks in implementation of the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In December 2015, seven health facilities in the UAE gained the JCI accreditation. Commenting on the landmark accomplishment in the health sector, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health, said, ''This achievement is a source of pride for us and is an international recognition of our advanced, high quality and integrated healthcare services. This achievement further entrusts the ministry with the responsibility to continue its commitment to applying international standards in specialised medical programmes.'' He noted that the UAE leadership, under President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and follow up of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, remains committed under the National Agenda to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 to develop a health care system based on the highest international standards in areas of service delivery, efficiency of medical professionals and health resilience so as to propel the UAE to be among the world's best countries in the quality of health care, sustainability of health care services and achievement of health safety. ''The JCI accreditation falls within the ministry's strategic plan which seeks to empower hospitals and health centres to obtain this high quality certification by 2021,'' he added. JCI Hospital Standards ARE DESIGNED TO: Ensure a safe environment that reduces risk for care recipients and caregivers Offer quantifiable benchmarks for quality and patient safety Stimulate and demonstrate continuous, sustained improvement through a reliable process Provide accredited hospitals with public recognition of their achievements and commitment to excellence Improve outcomes and patient satisfaction Enhance efficiency Reduce costs through standardised care ADDRESS: International Patient Safety Goals Access to care and continuity of care Patient and family rights Assessment of patients Care of patients Anaesthesia and surgical care Medication management and use Patient and family education Quality improvement and patient safety Prevention and control of infections Governance, leadership, and direction Facility management and safety Staff qualifications and education Management of communication and information. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395290123005.html