Amman:The Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC) has unveiled its 11th cycle of National Quality and Patient Safety Goals for 2026. This new cycle places a stronger emphasis on protecting healthcare workers from occupational hazards, burnout, and psychological stress.
According to Jordan News Agency, the initiative was launched by Health Minister Ibrahim Bdour on behalf of Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein, who is the World Health Organization's Patron for Nursing and Midwifery in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and a global ambassador for the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
The 2026 goals cover four categories hospitals, primary healthcare centers, other healthcare facilities, and diagnostic institutions, each with three specific goals. A shared objective across all categories is the improvement of healthcare workers' occupational safety and psychological well-being. HCAC CEO Salma Jaouni stated that the initiative, initially introduced in 2009, provides a framework for healthcare institutions to identify priorities, monitor progress, and enhance the quality and safety of care.
Jaouni highlighted that the 2026 goals are designed to support a new quality and safety strategy by translating objectives into practical improvements across healthcare institutions. The initiative has expanded its scope beyond hospitals to include primary healthcare centers, laboratories, dental services, and prehospital care, acknowledging that healthcare worker safety is crucial for patient safety.
The launch ceremony featured a film on past projects that included safer surgical procedures, postpartum maternal mental health services, improved access to early screening for women in remote areas, early detection of noncommunicable diseases, medical documentation, and medication safety. Awards were presented to healthcare institutions for their achievements in the previous cycle, including the Quality Harvest Award and the National Goals Award.
Jaouni emphasized that the success of the initiative should be measured by improvements in institutional practices and their sustainability rather than accolades. She also expressed gratitude to the sponsors for supporting HCAC's mission to offer the program to healthcare institutions at no cost, aligning with its nonprofit objectives.