Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics recently became the first integrated health system in Asia to earn accreditation from the Joint Commission International. The hospital is a joint venture between Chindex International, a U.S.-owned health care company that operates Chinese hospitals, and the Union Pharmaceutical Co. of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. It serves the international and elite private-paying domestic patients. Beijing United also operates two Chinese health clinics, which also received accreditation.

“We sought accreditation because we want to provide the best care for our patients,” says Roberta Lipson, chairwoman of Beijing United Family Hospital and CEO of Chindex International. “Earning accreditation from the Joint Commission is another step toward excellence.”

The commission performed on-site evaluations of the hospital and clinics in September. Although the Joint Commission isn’t officially recognized as an accreditation body by the Chinese government, its uniform high standards for patient care and safety are designed to be adaptable to local legal and cultural customs.

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