BSI and CAHO pilot ISO 7101 in Indian
hospitals, boosting patient satisfaction, efficiency, and healthcare quality
standards.
India:
BSI, the business improvement and standards
company, in partnership with the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare
Organizations (CAHO), has completed a pilot programme introducing ISO 7101, the
first international consensus-based healthcare quality standard, across select
hospitals in India. The initiative has delivered measurable improvements in
patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and workforce wellbeing.
The pilot, conducted at Dr Mehta’s
Hospitals in Chennai and Annai Velankanni Hospital in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,
reported significant results. Patient waiting times were reduced by up to 60%,
readmission rates fell by 40%, medication stock-outs declined by 80%, and
employee attrition dropped by around 50%. Regulatory compliance also improved
by nearly 10%.
India’s healthcare sector continues to
grow rapidly, with hospitals attracting USD 6.1 billion in investments in 2023,
marking year-on-year growth of almost 24%. However, challenges such as
inconsistent quality standards, workforce shortages, and governance gaps
persist, often limiting the sector’s ability to deliver patient-centred care.
Commenting on the pilot’s impact, Majid
Zahoor, Global Director, Healthcare Sector at BSI, said, “This pilot has
clearly demonstrated how ISO 7101 provides a transformational framework for
delivering people-centered care. By embedding continual improvement through the
PDSA cycle, robust leadership practices, proactive risk management, and
data-driven evaluation of health outcomes, organizations are achieving more
than compliance—they are elevating operational performance across the board.”
He added, “Certification to ISO 7101
is enabling healthcare providers to streamline service delivery, reduce
inefficiencies, and meet regulatory obligations with confidence. But the real
impact lies in the culture shift: enhanced workforce wellbeing, stronger professional
development, improved health literacy, and a consistent standard of care that
puts patients first.”
Dr S Saravana Kumar, Group Unit Head, Dr Mehta’s Hospitals,
stated, “Dr. Mehta’s is advancing the future of healthcare through ISO
7101:2023 — the first global standard that transforms quality, safety, and
service excellence into measurable, sustainable outcomes.”
Echoing this, CAHO’s Dr Agarwal
said, “Participation in BSI’s impact pilot project in India has supported
these hospitals to become early adopters of the standard, helping to build
patient trust in the healthcare industry.”
The successful pilot highlights ISO 7101
as a framework capable of transforming Indian healthcare delivery, promoting
sustainable quality improvement, and strengthening patient trust.
According to TechSci
Research, the
collaboration between BSI and CAHO to implement ISO 7101 in Indian hospitals is
highly beneficial for the healthcare industry as it sets a global benchmark for
quality and patient-centered care. By adopting this international standard,
hospitals can streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen
compliance with regulatory requirements. The pilot demonstrated tangible
benefits, including reduced waiting times, lower readmission rates, improved
medication availability, and enhanced employee satisfaction, all of which
contribute to better patient outcomes and trust in healthcare services.
Furthermore, the emphasis on continuous improvement, risk management, and
data-driven decision-making supports long-term operational sustainability. As
more hospitals adopt ISO 7101, the industry will move toward greater
consistency in service delivery, improved workforce retention, and higher
overall care standards, positioning India’s healthcare sector as more
resilient, reliable, and globally competitive.