The Quality Council of India (QCI), the autonomous body of the Central government for national accreditation programme, is all set to frame a set of new standards for 'wellness centres' in India. The new standards will likely to come into force in six months time.

The Indian wellness market segment, relatively new and unorganised, is growing by double digit, which is expected to touch Rs. 18 million in another two years time. As per the latest projections, it is expected that in another three years time there will be over 3000 wellness centres across India.

The new standards will comprise of various aspects of service into the centres, which requires special clinical care, support service, leadership and management, and health facility department in the centre.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, Giridhar Gyani, secretary general, Quality Council of India, said, "We are in the preliminary stages of framing new standards for the Wellness Centres. The four member committee will take another three months time for the preparation of standards and another three months for the reviewing them and incorporating them into a statute. We have already entered into a technical agreement with ACHSI (Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International) for drafting the standards".

"In another five years time, too many new players in the health and beauty, and service and wellness segments are likely come to the market. We are drafting standards on the right time for the wellness centres," Gyani added.

As per the industry projections, Reliance will have 1842 care and wellness centres, Dabur will have 350 such centres, Fortis World 1000 centres and Manipal Cure 50 centres in another five years' time. All of these establishments barring Manipal Cure will also be having pharmacy stores attached to the proposed wellness centres.

The QCI is governed by a council of 31 members with equal representation from the government, industry and consumers. It is responsible for formulating strategies, general policy, constitution and monitoring of various components of QCI including the accreditation boards with objective to ensure transparent and credible accreditation system.

ACHS International (ACHSI) is a subsidiary of the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), which extends the mission of the ACHS internationally. ACHS is an independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care through continuous review of performance, assessment and accreditation. It is the largest accreditation provider in Australia.