What is the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR)?

The General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) is one of the most important governmental bodies established under Law No. (2) of 2018, operating under the direct supervision of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Authority aims to achieve quality and safety standards in health services by accrediting healthcare facilities and regulating the health sector according to the latest global developments.

The adopted standards are based on specialized expertise in the healthcare field, contributing to providing safe and high-quality health services to patients and their families. Patient safety is the central focus around which all activities and services provided by the Authority revolve.

The Authority's goal extends beyond merely evaluating healthcare facilities; it also provides support and assistance to these facilities in improving their performance and minimizing risks. This is achieved through the application of a comprehensive scientific approach to risk management, allowing for the identification of potential issues before they occur, which helps implement necessary measures to prevent them.

The Authority's vision reflects its commitment to achieving the strategic goals of the state (Vision 2030), aiming to enhance transparency and the efficiency of government institutions by applying a clear and fair regulatory system that ensures the quality and safety of the healthcare services provided.

What is the Importance of Accreditation from the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR)?

Accreditation from the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) is a pivotal step in improving the quality of healthcare in Egypt. It helps enhance safety and quality standards in healthcare institutions, leading to improved patient experiences and increased trust in the services provided. This accreditation requires healthcare facilities to adhere to strict standards encompassing all operational and administrative aspects, ensuring the sustainable provision of high-quality medical services.

By implementing the standards set by GAHAR, hospitals and health centers can enhance their overall performance, reduce medical errors, and increase operational efficiency. Additionally, accreditation strengthens the reputation of healthcare establishments, as the commitment to quality standards reflects the trust of both patients and healthcare providers in these institutions. Accreditation also encourages healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge to comply with the Authority's requirements, ultimately raising the level of professionalism in healthcare delivery.

What are the Accreditation Standards from the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR)?

The accreditation standards established by the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) encompass a set of procedures and regulations that ensure the highest levels of quality and safe healthcare for patients. These standards cover various aspects of operations and management within healthcare institutions to ensure compliance with best global practices.

• Safety and Quality:

GAHAR's standards focus on achieving the highest safety levels for patients and staff, ensuring a healthy work environment that meets all public health requirements.

• Risk Management:

Accreditation involves assessing how health risks are managed, including infection prevention strategies, emergency procedures, and crisis management.

• Efficiency of Healthcare Services:

GAHAR sets standards to enhance the efficiency of operational processes, ensuring the delivery of integrated healthcare services of high quality.

• Continuous Training and Development:

The accreditation standards emphasize the importance of ongoing training for medical personnel and staff to improve their skills and ensure they can provide the best possible healthcare.

• Quality Control:

GAHAR's standards include mechanisms to monitor performance and periodically evaluate the quality of healthcare, ensuring continuous improvement.

Commitment to the standards set by the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) helps healthcare institutions enhance the quality of their services and increase operational efficiency, ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction and a safe, healthy environment.

What are the Requirements, Procedures, and Conditions for Accreditation from the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR)?

The General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of health services in medical institutions. Through the accreditation process, performance and compliance with standards are assessed, contributing to the improvement of healthcare quality and increasing patient trust.

Submission of Part of the Building for Evaluation Visit:

The facility cannot submit only part of the building for the evaluation visit, whether it is a routine evaluation or a follow-up visit. If an emergency prevents service delivery from the building, the facility must email the details and request a postponement for no more than three months.

Reasons for Cancellation of Initial Accreditation:

1. Discovery of any manipulation or fraud during or after evaluation processes.
2. Obstruction of health oversight teams from obtaining documents and data.
3. Failure to pass the second opportunity visit for conditional initial accreditation.
4. Refusal to welcome the review team during evaluation visits.
5. Cancellation of the facility's license or temporary or permanent closure.
6. Transfer, demolition, or reconstruction of the facility.
7. Exceeding the specified period for suspending accreditation without rectifying the issues.

Reasons for Suspension of Initial Accreditation:

1. Failure to notify GAHAR about events related to patient safety.
2. Failure to pass an unannounced evaluation visit.
3. Inconsistency between the data provided and the current situation of the facility.
4. Failure to notify GAHAR about changes in the services provided.
5. Non-compliance with registration for 30% of medical profession members before the visit.

Renewal Procedures:

Submit the application in a timely manner to conduct the evaluation visit before the accreditation expires.

Send a formal request to extend the initial accreditation period for a grace period of up to three months.

Important Timeframes:

Duration of the second opportunity visit: six months from the committee's decision for new facilities or from the expiration of accreditation for accredited facilities.

Allowed period to appeal for reconsideration in case of denial of accreditation: 15 days.

Actions if Requirements Are Not Met:

Send a statement outlining the facility's position along with the required documents.

Contracting with Comprehensive Health Insurance:

After receiving the certificate, contact the General Authority for Comprehensive Health Insurance to inquire about the details.

Inclusion of the Facility in the Lists of Accredited Facilities:

The facility is evaluated according to specific standards by reviewers from the authority.

Benefits of Accreditation:

1. Ensures quality health service outcomes.
2. Continuous improvement and development.
3. Increased patient and stakeholder satisfaction.

Steps for Accreditation:

1. Submit an official application and send the required documents.
2. Pay the fees.
3. Register members of the medical professions.
4. Schedule the visit.
5. Conduct the reviewer visit and assess performance.
6. Present the report to the High Accreditation Committee.
7. Announce the committee's decision and issue the accreditation certificate.

In conclusion, commitment to the accreditation procedures is crucial for improving the quality of health services provided. Accreditation enhances patient satisfaction and ensures the delivery of safe and effective healthcare, making it a strategic step for every medical facility aiming for excellence.

What are the Challenges Facing the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR)?

The General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) faces several challenges in its efforts to improve the quality of healthcare in Egypt and ensure that healthcare facilities comply with accreditation standards. These challenges encompass various aspects related to implementation and continuous development:

• Variability in Quality of Healthcare Facilities

GAHAR struggles to standardize the quality level among health institutions across Egypt, as the infrastructure and medical equipment vary significantly between hospitals and health centers. This disparity affects the ability to fully comply with the standards.

• Shortage of Trained Human Resources

Healthcare facilities require well-trained medical and administrative teams to meet GAHAR's standards. However, the shortage of qualified human resources poses a significant challenge, particularly in remote areas.

• Financial Challenges

Limited funding for some healthcare facilities hinders their ability to improve infrastructure or provide ongoing training for medical staff. This can negatively impact these facilities' capacity to meet accreditation requirements.

• Resistance to Change

The healthcare system may encounter resistance from some healthcare workers regarding the changes mandated by GAHAR standards, whether due to old routines or fear of administrative complexities.

• Technological Advancement

With rapid advancements in health technology, GAHAR faces challenges in integrating modern technology into evaluation and accreditation processes, as it must keep pace with these developments to continually update quality standards.

• Ongoing Compliance

Maintaining continuous compliance with GAHAR's standards presents a challenge, as the process requires sustained efforts from healthcare facilities to ensure that they do not regress in quality standards after achieving accreditation.

Despite these challenges, GAHAR continues its vital role in improving healthcare and ensuring that institutions adhere to quality standards by supporting continuous development and encouraging innovation in the health sector.

The Role of Technology in Improving Quality Standards

Technology plays a vital role in enhancing quality standards in healthcare institutions, particularly concerning the implementation of the General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) standards. It helps streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and increase efficiency, which positively impacts the overall quality of healthcare. The role of technology in improving quality standards includes several aspects:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems

EHR systems facilitate comprehensive monitoring of patients' health conditions, contributing to the improvement of the quality of care provided and ensuring compliance with GAHAR standards. These systems provide immediate access to patient data, enhancing diagnostic and treatment accuracy.

• Hospital Information Systems (HIS)

Hospital management systems are essential tools for improving operational efficiency and standardizing administrative and medical processes. By utilizing HIS, healthcare facilities can better track operations and improve quality control.

• Advanced Medical Technologies

Modern medical equipment and smart monitoring contribute to reducing medical errors and increasing the accuracy of treatment procedures, thereby supporting the achievement of quality standards defined by GAHAR.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Analytics

Using AI and analytics technologies, healthcare facilities can analyze large volumes of data to enhance risk prediction and operational efficiency, ensuring the continuity of high quality.

• E-Learning and Virtual Reality Training

E-learning tools and virtual reality assist in improving the training of medical staff on standards and procedures, ensuring better and more effective provision of healthcare in compliance with GAHAR standards.

Strategically utilizing technology in healthcare institutions not only contributes to improving care quality but also enhances the ability to maintain continuous compliance with the stringent standards set by GAHAR, ultimately leading to improved patient trust and elevated healthcare service levels.

Conclusion

The General Authority for Health Accreditation and Control (GAHAR) is a fundamental pillar in improving the quality of healthcare in Egypt by establishing strict standards aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in health services. Despite the challenges faced by the authority, the use of modern technology represents an important step toward achieving its goals of improving performance and increasing compliance with standards.

The adoption of standards set by GAHAR contributes to creating a safer and more effective healthcare environment, benefiting patients and enhancing community trust in the health system. By committing to the application of these standards and leveraging technological advancements, all healthcare facilities can achieve a qualitative leap in the quality of healthcare and ensure the sustainability of improvements in this vital sector.

In the future, GAHAR will continue to play its crucial role in developing the healthcare system, focusing on innovation, transparency, and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the delivery of the best possible healthcare services.