The Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for all health facilities to get accreditation from the Central Board of Accreditation for Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) to operate in the Kingdom, said Dr. Muhammad Hamza Khushaim, Deputy Minister of Health for Development and Planning. He said all medical facilities must meet the quality standards set by the CBAHI. He said patient safety is the prime concern in most countries and they do not compromise on ensuring their institutions have this accreditation. He said 30 of the ministry's hospitals with a capacity of 200 to 500 beds have obtained the CBAHI certificate. In the next phase, it is expected that 60 of its hospitals with 100 to 200 beds will get the certificate. He said 15 out of 125 private hospitals have already been granted the certificate and 40 more hospitals are set to soon follow. __
