Though the process of achieving the Joint Commission International (JCI) certification was not easy, it was a simple decision to pursue one, in line with the standards of other accredited medical facilities in the Sultanate.
Panaga Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Haji Ahmad Fakhri bin Dato Paduka Haji Junaidi underscored this in his welcoming remarks during the presentation ceremony for the JCI Gold Seal Approval Award for Panaga Health at The Garden’s Veranda in Kampong Rimba yesterday.
“The JCI Gold Seal of Approval provides assurance to our community that we are committed to providing safe, quality and effective patient care while adhering to best industry practices,” Dr Haji Ahmad Fakhri said.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, the guest of honour, presented the JCI Gold Seal of Approval Award to Dr Haji Ahmad Fakhri.
The Chief Medical Officer of Panaga Health added, “With all the hard work and the preparation required, the accreditation process made the team realise just how beneficial it is. It allowed us to identify areas for improvement and how we could be even better as an organisation. The JCI accreditation is a testament of hard work in delivering high quality care and putting patients’ safety first.”
He said the JCI accreditation carries with it a profound responsibility.
“The accreditation serves as a testament to the commitment to maintaining continuous achievements and seeking opportunities for self-improvement,” he added.
“The accreditation demonstrates Panaga Health’s compliance with international healthcare quality standards for patient care and organisation management.”
The JCI Gold Seal of Approval was officially granted on October 28, making Panaga Health the first medical facility in the Sultanate to be accredited by JCI under the Ambulatory Care Organisation category.
Panaga Health is also the first medical facility in the Belait District and the fourth in the country to be accredited by the American-based body.
Panaga Health underwent a rigorous on-site survey in October 2023.
A JCI expert surveyor evaluated compliance with ambulatory care standards related to a variety of areas, including the International Patient Safety Goals, patient assessment and care, medication management, patient and family education, quality improvement, infection prevention and control, governance and leadership, facility management, staff qualifications and education, and information management.
The seal of approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organisation’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care, as well as adherence to best business practices. – Rokiah Mahmud
