Bogotá — The rain fell in quiet drops outside the Hospital Universitario Nacional (HUN), but inside, something much louder stirred—a collective hope, a vision for the future of healthcare in Colombia. Since its inauguration in December 2015, this institution has tirelessly pursued not just the standard benchmarks of medical care but the gold standard: accreditation. Today, the hospital stands at the cusp of a significant achievement, ready to submit its application for national health accreditation—a step that promises to reshape its future and the future of countless patients who walk through its doors.
The story of the HUN isn’t just about a hospital seeking validation. It’s about a journey—one that speaks to every person who’s ever fought for something bigger than themselves. The push for accreditation isn’t merely about meeting requirements; it’s about a promise to deliver healthcare that is as compassionate as it is innovative. It’s about ensuring that every patient is treated not as a number, but as a person.
The Pursuit of Health Accreditation: Step Toward Excellence
What is Health Accreditation?
In simple terms, hospital accreditation is the recognition that a healthcare institution meets national or international standards of quality. But the reality is far more profound. Accreditation is a commitment—a promise to patients, staff, and society. It’s the assurance that every procedure, every treatment, and every interaction is backed by a foundation of safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered care.
At the heart of this journey is a desire for continuous improvement. From the first moment the hospital opened its doors, the Corporación Salud UN—the governing body established by the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL) and the Association of Alumni of Medicine of UNAL (AEXMUN)—set a clear goal: to achieve the highest standards of healthcare through accreditation. This dream has driven them through seven rigorous rounds of self-evaluation, a process that has shaped not just their systems, but their soul.
Why Accreditation Matters to Patients and Practitioners Alike
Accreditation may seem like an administrative milestone, but at its core, it’s deeply human. For patients, accreditation offers peace of mind. It’s the quiet reassurance that their healthcare team operates under the highest safety and quality standards. It means knowing that when they walk into HUN, they are not just another case—they are the reason the hospital exists.
For the doctors, nurses, and staff, this accreditation is a beacon. It’s the acknowledgment of years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As Dr. Oswaldo Borraez, renowned surgeon and President of AEXMUN, eloquently stated, “This isn’t just about the Faculty of Medicine. It’s about every department in this hospital, every person who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of care we provide.”
These words echo the heart of what accreditation means: it is not the end of a journey, but rather a moment that propels everyone at HUN toward even greater heights. It’s a reminder that excellence in healthcare is not a destination—it’s a continuous path, paved with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering focus on quality.
Humanizing Healthcare: The Legacy of HUN
Dr. Oscar Alonso Dueñas, Director of HUN, often reflects on the hospital’s mission not just as a medical facility, but as a beacon of hope. Since the hospital’s operational start under the Corporación Salud UN in 2012, it has carried with it the legacy of San Juan de Dios, one of Colombia’s most historic medical institutions. This legacy is not a burden, but a gift, one that propels HUN to set even higher standards for itself.
In recent years, HUN has secured prestigious certifications, including a stamp of approval from INVIMA for clinical research, recognizing its commitment to rigorous standards in medical research. This achievement is just another step in HUN’s march toward accreditation, a symbol of its relentless pursuit of both medical and academic excellence.
But behind the accolades and certifications lies something even more meaningful—a commitment to care. As Dr. Dueñas remarked during a recent event, “Our goal is to offer healthcare services that are not only safe but deeply humanized.” These are not just words on a page; they are a guiding principle for every individual at HUN, from doctors and nurses to administrative staff. This hospital exists for the people it serves, and its mission is clear: to improve lives, heal communities, and elevate the standards of healthcare in Colombia.
The Final Steps Toward Accreditation: Milestone on the Horizon
The accreditation process has been a long and detailed one, but with the submission of the hospital’s self-assessment, the next milestone is in sight. By the end of 2024, ICONTEC, the national accreditation body, will visit HUN to evaluate whether it meets the standards required for official accreditation under the Sistema Único de Acreditación en Salud.
For Dr. Carlos Edgar Rodríguez, ICONTEC’s National Director of Accreditation in Health, this moment is deeply anticipated. “This process represents a significant step forward, not just for the hospital, but for healthcare quality across Colombia,” he said.
And indeed, as HUN looks toward the future, it does so not just with hope, but with the full knowledge that every small improvement made today lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s excellence.
The Road to 2025: Vision for the Future
Looking beyond accreditation, HUN has set its sights on 2025, with the goal of becoming not just an accredited institution, but a national leader in healthcare education, research, and patient care. The vision is clear, and the roadmap has been laid out through seven strategic projects aimed at achieving this goal.
As the hospital prepares for its next chapter, it does so with the knowledge that this journey is far from over. Accreditation may be the next step, but it is by no means the final one. The hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement, its passion for patient-centered care, and its dedication to academic excellence will ensure that it remains a cornerstone of Colombia’s healthcare system for years to come.
Call to Action: Healthcare That Transcends Borders
Accreditation is not a trophy to be won, nor is it a box to be checked. It is a commitment—to patients, to families, to the future. As HUN stands at this pivotal moment, it invites all of us—healthcare professionals, students, and citizens alike—to reflect on what healthcare means in our own lives.
Healthcare is not about numbers or certificates. It’s about stories—about people like you and me, who walk through hospital doors seeking help, hope, and healing. And it’s about the professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring that we find exactly that.
As HUN moves forward on its path toward accreditation, it reminds us that the pursuit of healthcare excellence is a journey that never ends. But it’s one that we’re all on together.
