Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NU School of Medicine) has reached a new milestone in its mission to train the future generation of doctors, nurses, biomedical scientists and innovators and to enhance the quality of healthcare in Kazakhstan. Corporate Fund "University Medical Center" (UMC), a key element of Nazarbayev University Medicine, the university ecosystem of biomedical innovation, education and patient care has received full international accreditation by Joint Commission International (JCI), as the first Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the CIS.
This recognition highlights NU’s commitment to advancing healthcare through the integration of clinical services, education, and research. The UMC achieved this prestigious international accreditation following the JCI accreditation visit by international experts between September 9 and 13, 2024, making Kazakhstan one of only 22 countries with JCI-accredited AMCs in the world.
JCI accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard in healthcare quality and patient safety. Accreditation standards include 1,250 measurable indicators that assess the organization for the quality of treatment, patient-oriented care, infection control and prevention, surgical procedures, medication management, professional training, research activities, and other parameters. This reflects the high level of medical care quality, patient safety, educational processes, and ongoing research. The accreditation of a medical organization is regarded by the international community as a sign of the quality of care and a guarantee of patient trust.
The UMC's AMC designation underscores its commitment to excellence not only in medical care but also in education and research. UMC's integration with the NU School of Medicine exemplifies the power of combining clinical practice with cutting-edge research and modern medical education. This collaboration aims to raise healthcare standards across Kazakhstan, with a focus on patient- and family-centered care at all UMC national-level clinics: the Mother and Child Center, the Diagnostic Center, and the Heart Center.
NU School of Medicine plays a pivotal role in this success. Established in 2015 with the goal of providing world-class medical education based on international standards, the School works closely with UMC to ensure that medical students and residents receive hands-on clinical training in a research-driven environment where patient safety and delivery of high quality medical care are constant priorities.
“Today marks a landmark moment for our institutions and for the entire region of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. For the first time, our clinics are embarking on the journey toward JCI accreditation as an academic medical center. This step represents not only a significant achievement but also a transformative opportunity for our healthcare system,” shared Yuriy Pya, CEO of the UMC. “We chose to pursue JCI accreditation because of its renowned reputation for excellence and its potential to elevate every aspect of our medical care. This accreditation will help us move beyond traditional practices, embracing a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes quality, safety, and innovation. It signifies our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and enhancing our overall healthcare delivery.”
Massimo Pignatelli, Vice-President and Dean of Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Chairman of the Board of Trustee of UMC Corporate Fund commented “JCI accreditation of UMC as an academic medical center is a remarkable achievement for Nazarbayev University (NU) Medicine, the university ecosystem that drives improvement and innovation in diagnostics, novel therapeutics and disease prevention. By integrating research, education and patient care as a fully accredited AMC, UMC will foster a collaborative and innovative environment that accelerates progress in medical advancements, so that Kazakhstani can have direct access to the state-of-the-art innovative diagnostics and novel therapeutics”.
This recognition highlights NU’s commitment to advancing healthcare through the integration of clinical services, education, and research. The UMC achieved this prestigious international accreditation following the JCI accreditation visit by international experts between September 9 and 13, 2024, making Kazakhstan one of only 22 countries with JCI-accredited AMCs in the world.
JCI accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard in healthcare quality and patient safety. Accreditation standards include 1,250 measurable indicators that assess the organization for the quality of treatment, patient-oriented care, infection control and prevention, surgical procedures, medication management, professional training, research activities, and other parameters. This reflects the high level of medical care quality, patient safety, educational processes, and ongoing research. The accreditation of a medical organization is regarded by the international community as a sign of the quality of care and a guarantee of patient trust.
The UMC's AMC designation underscores its commitment to excellence not only in medical care but also in education and research. UMC's integration with the NU School of Medicine exemplifies the power of combining clinical practice with cutting-edge research and modern medical education. This collaboration aims to raise healthcare standards across Kazakhstan, with a focus on patient- and family-centered care at all UMC national-level clinics: the Mother and Child Center, the Diagnostic Center, and the Heart Center.
NU School of Medicine plays a pivotal role in this success. Established in 2015 with the goal of providing world-class medical education based on international standards, the School works closely with UMC to ensure that medical students and residents receive hands-on clinical training in a research-driven environment where patient safety and delivery of high quality medical care are constant priorities.
“Today marks a landmark moment for our institutions and for the entire region of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. For the first time, our clinics are embarking on the journey toward JCI accreditation as an academic medical center. This step represents not only a significant achievement but also a transformative opportunity for our healthcare system,” shared Yuriy Pya, CEO of the UMC. “We chose to pursue JCI accreditation because of its renowned reputation for excellence and its potential to elevate every aspect of our medical care. This accreditation will help us move beyond traditional practices, embracing a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes quality, safety, and innovation. It signifies our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and enhancing our overall healthcare delivery.”
Massimo Pignatelli, Vice-President and Dean of Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Chairman of the Board of Trustee of UMC Corporate Fund commented “JCI accreditation of UMC as an academic medical center is a remarkable achievement for Nazarbayev University (NU) Medicine, the university ecosystem that drives improvement and innovation in diagnostics, novel therapeutics and disease prevention. By integrating research, education and patient care as a fully accredited AMC, UMC will foster a collaborative and innovative environment that accelerates progress in medical advancements, so that Kazakhstani can have direct access to the state-of-the-art innovative diagnostics and novel therapeutics”.
