Health Traveler
Definite Guide to Medical Tourism

International Health Care Accreditations

Like any other form of health care, medical tourism has advantages or disadvantages. If enough research and evidence exists to prove that a particular drug, treatment protocol, or procedure actually does have beneficial effects, then there may not be any problems. If, however, no such information exists, or if it is incomplete or obviously biased, or if the health care providers in the countries or regions that offer the medical services do not hold accreditation or are otherwise recognized as being legitimate practitioners, then serious problems can occur. That is why it is so important for health travelers to know why accreditation of medical facilities and treatment centers is so important, if accreditations exist, and, if so, what types they are.

The Importance of Accreditation in the Context of Medical Tourism

When a medical facility or treatment center, and in some countries, the medical practitioners who work there, is awarded accreditation, this means that the facility and staff (if it is required to do so) have met certain criteria in regards to standards and practices. Accreditations can come from a number of organizations, including:

• The Joint Commission International (JCI)
• The Trent Accreditation Scheme (TAS)
• The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
• The Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH)
• Thailand Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation of the Ministry of Public Health

Joint Commission International (JCI)

The Joint Commission International is an international organization that focuses on the quality of health care in countries all around the world. The safety of patients as well as providing expertise in such areas as infection, medication and facility safety is part of their focus. In addition, the JCI helps medical facilities prepare for accreditation reviews. Not only does the JCI focus on the areas mentioned above, when or if situations arise regarding patient safety or any other concerns, the JCI helps facilities reach solutions that will correct the problem.

People who seek treatment abroad should ask the facility at which they are planning to receive medical care if it holds JCI accreditation. If they do, this means they have met all of the JCI’s criteria and should provide quality medical care. JCI accreditation is international; hospitals and medical facilities from anywhere in the world can apply for accreditation through this organization. Because of this, JCI is considered the most important of any accreditation, and a health traveler may want to consider using another facility if the one first chosen does not have JCI accreditation.

Regional or Country Accreditation

Besides holding JCI accreditation, many hospitals and medical facilities that cater to medical tourism also hold regional or country accreditation. These are described below, along with the country or countries they serve.

Trent Accreditation Scheme (TAS)

The Trent Accreditation Scheme originated in the United Kingdom in 1993. At the time of its formation, its main purpose was to address concerns that had arisen about the quality of care that was being given at hospitals located in what was then known as the Trent Region of the United Kingdom. At the time this region was considered the largest of all of those within the National Health Service (NHS) regions, and parts of it were very isolated.

As a result of numerous reorganizations within the NHS, the regions are no longer in existence. However, the NHS still awards accreditation to hospital that meet the standards, and the accreditation is still referred to as the Trent Accreditation Scheme.

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Although this board is considered a constituent of the Quality Council of India, and receives support from those who hold a stake in health care and the health industry, the board itself is fully autonomous. Its goal is to “ensure that hospitals, whether public or private, national or expatriate, play there (sic) expected roles in national health system”.

As part of the application process for NABH accreditation, hospitals and medical facilities are required to conduct a self-assessment. The criteria and guidelines which must be followed leave no room for “cheating” as they cover such things as proper definition and display of the services provided, and a registration and admission process that is well-defined. In addition, several categories pertain to patient care, laboratory operation and maintenance, security of medications, and other things. If a medical facility in India has NABH accreditation, it is likely that a health traveler will receive adequate if not excellent care at that place.

Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH)

This organization is responsible for hospital and medical facility accreditation in Malaysia. It is a non-profit organization that operates as an independent entity. Those who choose Malaysia for treatment or procedures can ask to see a facility’s MSQH accreditation.

Thailand Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation

All registered medical facilities located in Thailand undergo reviews and approval by the Thailand Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation. If a person seeks treatment abroad in Thailand, he can ask to see both proof of registration and the findings of this organization.

Accreditation in Singapore

In Singapore, hospitals may hold accreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI), ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and OHSAS (Singapore’s version of the Office of Health and Safety (OHSA) in the United States.) In addition, they can also apply for and if approved, receive local accreditation from the Singapore Health Promotion Board, the Singapore Laboratory Accreditation System (SINGLAS), the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Further, Singapore is already known for its cleanliness throughout the country as a whole, and the stringent guidelines and laws apply to the hospitals as well. A health traveler will most likely be very pleased with the care given in a Singapore hospital, especially since it will likely hold several accreditations.

Conclusion

Medical tourism will likely continue to grow, particularly since so many people in so many countries have Internet access, thus allowing them access to the various types of medical treatment available in other countries and regions. The health traveler should remember, however, that traveling for treatment abroad will require careful advance planning.

Passports, visas, and other identifying documents will still be required for entrance and exit from other countries. In addition, some countries, such as Singapore will require that a person already have documentation showing the next destination being visited as well as proof that entry there will be allowed, or the destination to which one will return.

In addition, a person traveling for the purpose of medical tourism may need to check with the airline being used to see if there are any restrictions on how soon after medical procedures are performed a person will be permitted to fly. Some airlines may require that the initial recovery period have passed completely; others may require notification from a health care professional that a person is able to travel by air.

A health traveler should also take into consideration the possibility that complications may arise, especially if the procedure being performed is surgical in nature. Complications may cause a delay in being able to leave the country where the treatment occurred. This in turn may lead to issues concerning one’s length of stay in the country, especially if a return date has already been set and documentation issued showing that date. Health care professionals may have to provide proof that an extended stay is required in order to protect a person’s health and well-being.