India is moving toward a standardized national framework that could grade public and private hospitals on healthcare quality, patient safety, clinical outcomes, and patient experience. The initiative is being developed by NITI Aayog with the broader aim of making hospital performance more transparent and comparable. The proposed framework is expected to align with international quality standards and incorporate specialty-specific outcome measures. According to government officials, the framework could be finalized by the end of 2026, with hospital grading potentially beginning in the next financial year.

NITI Aayog recently convened stakeholders to discuss a credible and sustainable system for evaluating hospitals across different categories. The proposed indicators could extend beyond accreditation status to include measurable clinical and patient-centered outcomes. Potential measures…