Health systems currently operate within an environment of rapid social, economic and technological change. Such changes are expected to continue for the foreseeable future as a result of restructured economic and social policies, globalization of markets and enhanced worldwide communication.

Many of the health systems currently in place have neglected evaluation of the quality of individual and systematic institutional care in the past, giving rise to an unnecessary increase in costs. Accreditation can be the single most important approach for improving the quality of health care structures.

In an accreditation system, institutional resources are evaluated periodically to ensure quality of services on the basis of previously accepted standards. Standards may be minimal, defining the bottom level or base, or more detailed and demanding. Accreditation is not an end in itself, but rather a means to improve quality. When implemented appropriately, accreditation can strengthen the fundamental leadership and steering role of national health authorities.

Hospital Accreditation (HA) is gaining prominence as the global expansion of trade in health services progresses.  As such, it can be used as a tool for international categorization and recognition of hospitals.  Introducing HA calls for immediate reform of the role that the hospital should play as a component of the national health system.

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