The Ministry of Health and Social Service (MoHSS), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centre for Disease Control (CDC), and other partners has developed and launched the Hospital Quality Standards (HQS) in 2021 and will conclude in 2024 with accreditation of the selected hospitals. The implementation of HQS aims to identify gaps in the functions, activities, processes, and structures that support healthcare provision, initiate continuous improvement interventions, and accredit healthcare facilities. Ensuring high-quality healthcare is critical for improving patient outcomes and promoting overall health.

Implementation of the standards is being rolled out in phases: 

• The first phase was concluded in 2022 and included Grootfontein, Katutura, Onandjokwe and Swakopmund Hospitals.  These hospitals received training on HQS, followed by baseline standards assessments and training on generic Quality Management.  The four hospitals are being supported towards accreditation by the end of 2024.
• The second phase was initiated this year in April and involve 6 facilities: Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, Rundu Intermediate Hospital, Windhoek Central Hospital, Mariental District Hospital, Gobabis District hospital and Opuwo District Hospital

Two of the 6 selected hospitals will be supported with funding from the Government of Japan. Training on the Hospital Quality Standards for health workers from the Gobabis District Hospital has been conducted and similar training is planned for the Opuwo District Hospital. The trainings aim to increase capacity of health care workers in implementing the hospital quality standards and for them to develop the hospital Quality improvement plan. 

The 2 hospitals will further be supported with conducting baseline quality assessment which will be followed by a training on quality improvement methodologies to address gaps identified in the baseline assessments.

Quality of care is the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes.  It is based on evidence-based professional knowledge and is critical for achieving universal health coverage. As countries commit to achieving Health for All, it is imperative to carefully consider the quality of care of health services.