Quality in health care is a relatively new concept in India, more so in the government set up. Private health care establishments have been undergoing quality certification and accreditation for quite a time. After catering to the upscaling of health facilities under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) (2005-2012), now the focus of the Government is on the quality aspect of health services. In pursuance of this objective, the Government has initiated a project for implementation of quality process in public health care hospitals/facilities starting from EAG states. Furthermore, considering the potential scope of the health insurance sector and opening of medical tourism, quality accreditation for the hospital and health sector will gain importance in future.

This edition is an effort to enlighten the staff and students of medical, paramedical, public health institutions/organizations and hospitals, to the concept of quality in health care establishments. The book covers the history, principles and terminologies used in the field of quality. It puts forward the basics in generic implementation of a quality system in a health care establishment and enlists some of the commonly used quality systems. Relevant tables, figures, glossary and annexures have been included to simplify the concept and its understanding.

The prospective editions aim to augment the scope of the book with respect to focus on each hospital/health service department and activities for continual improvement.