An Arab acclamation of the Jordanian experience in Health Care Accreditation

Organizers of this meeting have invited HCAC to share the Jordanian accreditation experience model as part of Congress's scientific program. This comes as part of the Annual Congress's mission to exchange news, views and experience among Arab countries.

HCAC participation in this Congress aims at giving a clear picture of the latest health care developments in Jordan that are going side by side with International developments, and leading to the creation of a specialized accreditation body. Creation of such an accreditation council that is compatible to other U.S and European standards, in any country will help in boosting the health care sectors in that country. HCAC's also aims to invest opportunities of cooperation, exchanging views and experience with specialized world-wide parties attending the congress.

HCAC's participation was comprehensive as it participated by giving a scientific lecture, in addition to displaying a both in the specialized exhibition. Features of the Jordanian accreditation experience were highlighted, right from HCAC's inception upto its latest achievements. Dr. May Abu Hamdieh, HCAC Executive Director, gave a briefing about the national effort exerted in bringing this Council to life and pointed out that the Council is one of its kind in the Middle East and being an independent entity reflects on the credibility of services offered. She reiterated that achievements included granting accreditation to three hospitals in both the private and public sectors, thus assuring the applicability of accreditation standards in all sectors.

HCAC's Services include developing accreditation programs, offering the necessary training to help health organizations obtain accreditation, evaluating hospitals after implementing accreditation standards. Ms. Abu Hamdia emphasized one of the unique services provided by HCAC that is the training of hospital surveyors program, which is considered one of its kind in the Middle East. This program emphasizes the Council's policy of utilizing local expertise in implementation of international standards excellence "Think Globally and Act Locally".

Dr. Fawzi Al-Ethaimi, Director of Arab Hospitals Federation, praised the Jordanian experience in accreditation by founding the HCAC. He also added HCAC presents a comprehensive accreditation body, one that is internationally recognized. He also invited congress participants to benefit for HCAC services.

It is also worth mentioning that HCAC is an active member on the executive Board of The International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). Dr. May Abu Hamdieh stated that this membership represents all Arab countries and not only Jordan and said that the health and safety of individuals stems from having sound, efficient and credible health care services. She also seized this opportunity to launch the Health Care accreditation Council's electronic website (www.hcac.jo) that was designed in a manner to allow communication and cooperation with its various stakeholders. The site also contains important information about HCAC's services, in addition to important international accreditation links.