- Who assesses
- NABH, on behalf of ECHS, under an MoU
- How to apply
- Online only at ece.nabh.co
- NABH assessment fee
- ₹30,000 (under 100 beds), ₹35,000 (over 100 beds), ₹25,000 (diagnostic, eye, dental) + 18% GST
- Validity
- Recommendation valid 2 years; renew 6 months before expiry
Who can apply
Allopathic healthcare organisations — private hospitals, standalone eye hospitals and centres, dental clinics, diagnostic laboratories and imaging centres — apply through NABH's ECE portal (ece.nabh.co). Offline applications are not accepted.
What NABH checks for ECHS
- Laboratory and imaging — in-house basic lab and imaging; in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and remote areas, a NABL-accredited lab MoU with an in-house collection centre is acceptable, and radiology may be outsourced within 1.5 km.
- Nursing — GNM or BSc nurses per IPHS norms, based on sanctioned beds and average occupancy over the last six months.
- Duty doctors — MBBS RMOs per IPHS norms on the same basis.
- Consultants — full-time and part-time consultants within your scope; visiting consultants on a case-by-case basis do not count.
- Operation theatres — super-specialty and eye care organisations follow NABH's air-conditioning guidelines for OTs (2018); general hospitals follow NABH's general OT guidelines.
Process, fees and renewal
The steps mirror CGHS: online application and fee, desktop inspection with corrective actions, on-site inspection, and an independent empanelment committee recommendation. NABH may also carry out surprise inspections.
| Applicant | Fee (plus 18% GST) |
|---|---|
| Hospital under 100 beds | ₹30,000 |
| Hospital over 100 beds | ₹35,000 |
| Diagnostic, eye or dental centre | ₹25,000 |
| Focus inspection (up to 3 new scopes, within 2 years) | ₹15,000 |
Recommendation letters are valid for two years; apply for renewal six months before expiry. If your original inspection was more than two years ago, adding specialties means applying afresh for a full inspection.
How we help
Staffing ratios and OT standards are where ECHS applications most often fail. We calculate your IPHS-based requirement from your actual occupancy, check OT design against NABH's guidelines, assemble documents and support you through inspection and renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Who assesses hospitals for ECHS empanelment?
NABH assesses hospitals and centres for ECHS empanelment under a memorandum of understanding with ECHS. Applications are made only online through NABH's ECE portal.
How long is an ECHS empanelment recommendation valid?
NABH's ECHS recommendation letters are valid for two years from the date of recommendation. Renewal must be applied for through the ECE portal six months before expiry to avoid de-empanelment.
What staffing does ECHS empanelment require?
NABH's ECHS programme expects GNM or BSc nursing staff and MBBS duty doctors as per IPHS norms, based on sanctioned beds and average occupancy over the last six months. Full-time and part-time consultants are allowed within scope; visiting consultants on a case-by-case basis are not.
Official sources
Fees and rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Get a free gap assessment for your facility
Tell us your facility type, bed or chair count and city. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma will tell you which NABH programme fits, what it will cost and how long it will realistically take — before you commit to anything.
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