In Kazakhstan, a number of clinics hold international accreditation by Joint Commission International (JCI) as organizations providing medical care, DKnews.kz reports
However, the University Medical Center, which includes 3 national-level clinics: the Mother and Child Center, the Diagnostic Center, and the Heart Center, is the first Academic Medical Center in Central Asia and the CIS, which was recognized by the JCI Commission not only as an organization providing high-quality medical care but also developing research and education in the field of medicine. One of the main criteria of the AMC is to be a part of the university, therefore Nazarbayev University actively participated in the accreditation process.
From September 9 to 13, 2024, UMC successfully passed JCI accreditation as an Academic Medical Center, becoming the 63rd clinic in the world to receive the JCI certificate, and thus brought Kazakhstan to the list of 22 countries in the world.
JCI's international accreditation is considered as the gold standard in the quality of medical care and patient care worldwide. Accreditation standards include thousands of indicators that help assess the organization for the quality of treatment, patient-oriented care, control and infection prevention, surgical treatment, medication use, professional training, research activities, and other parameters. The accreditation of a medical organization is regarded by the international community as a sign of the quality of medical care and a guarantee of patient trust.
AMC is a tertiary (highest) level clinic that is organizationally and administratively integrated with the School of Medicine. UMC clinics are the main place of study for medical students and residents of the Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, as well as an organization where research is conducted with the participation of patients in accordance with international protocols.
The Commission assessed 1,250 measurable indicators in all three clinics and did not find any “not met” standards. This shows the high level of quality of medical care and patient safety, educational process, and ongoing research.
“Today marks a landmark moment for our institutions and for the entire region of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. For the first time, our clinics are embarking on the journey toward JCI accreditation as an academic medical center. This step represents not only a significant achievement but also a transformative opportunity for our healthcare system. We chose to pursue JCI accreditation because of its renowned reputation for excellence and its potential to elevate every aspect of our medical care. This accreditation will help us move beyond traditional practices, embracing a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes quality, safety, and innovation. It signifies our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and enhancing our overall healthcare delivery” Yuriy Pya, CEO of the UMC
