As India rises rapidly as a global medical tourism hub, one question matters more than any other for international patients: How do you choose the safest and most reliable hospital?
With thousands of private and government hospitals offering world-class services at competitive prices, accreditation has become the most important marker of quality, safety and global standards.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accredited hospitals must meet stringent benchmarks for:
- Patient safety and hygiene
- Clinical protocols and infection control
- Qualified staff and specialist training
- Transparent pricing and ethical practices
- Emergency preparedness
- International patient services
For tourists travelling long distances, often for complex surgeries, choosing an accredited hospital significantly reduces risk and ensures consistent standards of care.
NABH vs JCI: What medical tourists should know
India’s healthcare sector mainly relies on two major accreditation bodies:
1. NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers)
Country: India
Strength: Standardisation across India’s healthcare system
What it ensures:
- High-quality patient care
- Strong clinical protocols
- Improved safety practices
- Well-trained medical personnel
- Affordable standards without compromising quality
Many leading hospitals, including Apollo, Fortis, Max, Medanta, Aster and Manipal, hold NABH accreditation. For many international patients, an NABH-accredited hospital offers excellent quality at significantly lower costs.
2. JCI (Joint Commission International)
Country: United States
Strength: Recognised in over 100 countries as the “gold standard” in global healthcare
What it ensures:
- World-leading clinical standards
- Extremely stringent patient safety norms
- International-level facility design and operations
- Seamless cross-border patient processes
Only a limited number of Indian hospitals have earned JCI accreditation because the requirements, and costs, are far higher.
Which is better: NABH or JCI?
Both ensure high-quality care, but for different purposes:
NABH
✔ Ideal for medical tourists seeking affordable, reliable, high-standard treatment
✔ Excellent for routine surgeries, IVF, orthopaedics, cardiology and wellness packages
✔ Widely available across India
JCI
✔ Best for tourists who want global-standard care on par with top US–European institutions
✔ Preferred for complex, high-risk procedures such as organ transplants, advanced oncology or robotic surgery
✔ More expensive due to international-level compliance
