The healthcare industry is getting competitive, which is why hospitals are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves and improve patient care.
One effective and up-and-coming strategy is obtaining halal certification. Contrary to popular belief, halal certification isn’t just for food and restaurants—hospitals too can benefit immensely from it too.
In this guide, we take a look at 7 reasons why your hospital should seek halal certification. But before that, let’s dive into what halal certification for hospitals actually includes.
Check Out: Obtain a Halal Certification Quote Now!
What Does Halal Certification for Hospitals Include?
Here’s what being halal-certified will generally cover:
- Providing Halal-certified meals means that all food served complies with Islamic dietary laws. It involves sourcing ingredients from halal-certified suppliers and preparing meals in dedicated areas to avoid cross-contamination.
- Appropriate staff training to understand and respect the religious and cultural needs of Muslim patients. This includes knowing how to address dietary restrictions, religious practices, and modesty concerns appropriately.
- Designated prayer spaces within the hospital provide Muslim patients and their families a place to perform their daily prayers (not a mandatory for halal certification but recommended).
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Reason 1. Increase Revenues
The Muslim population is projected to reach 3.4 billion by 2050, more than one-fourth of the global population, which represents a significant and lucrative market segment for healthcare providers.
This demographic not only seeks halal food but also prefers halal-compliant healthcare services.
When they know your hospital respects their dietary and religious needs, they are more likely to choose your facility over others, leading to increased patient admissions and, ultimately, higher revenues.
Do You Know: AHF’s clients on average report an 11x return on investment with halal certification!
Reason 2. Acquire a Competitive Edge
In any competitive market, differentiation is key. Halal certification sets your hospital apart, signaling a dedication to servicing the fastest growing consumer market segment globally.
Many hospitals do not currently offer halal-certified services, so by doing so, you will set your facility apart.
This competitive edge can be crucial when patients in non-Muslim majority countries (North America, Europe, Australia, etc) are deciding where to seek care.
Reason 3. Enhance Patient Satisfaction
Patient satisfaction is at the heart of quality healthcare. When patients feel respected and understood, their overall experience improves.
Halal certification ensures that Muslim patients can adhere to their dietary and religious practices without worry.
By implementing halal-friendly practices, your hospital can significantly enhance the patient experience for Muslim patients, leading to higher satisfaction rates and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Read More: Consumer Loyalty Trends and Halal
Reason 4. Be More Inclusive
Halal certification is a step towards greater inclusivity. It shows that your hospital is committed to accommodating the needs of Muslim patients.
This inclusivity can extend beyond dietary needs to encompass aspects like modesty in patient care and providing prayer facilities, as highlighted earlier.
By seeking halal certification, hospitals demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for Muslim patients, subsequently leading to an enhanced hospital reputation.
Read More: Halal Diversity: How Halal Certification Promotes Diversity
Reason 5. Building Community Relations
Hospitals play a crucial role in their communities. Halal certification can help strengthen your hospital’s relationship with the local Muslim community.
When a hospital shows respect for cultural and religious practices, it builds trust and loyalty. This can be further achieved through participation in community events, and forging partnerships with local Muslim organizations.
Strong community ties can lead to better patient engagement, community support, and a positive reputation.
Reason 6. Attract Talented Workforce
Do You Know: USA alone is projected to have a healthcare worker shortage of about 446,000 by 2025 according to Oracle!
Healthcare professionals are increasingly looking for employers who value diversity and inclusivity.
By obtaining Halal certification, your hospital sends a clear message that it respects and supports the religious and cultural practices of its staff, which can be particularly attractive to Muslim healthcare workers, who are on a significant rise.
Moreover, you will also be able to attract a diverse workforce that enriches patient care by providing a broader range of perspectives and cultural sensitivities.
Reason 7. Increase Medical Tourism
Source: Statista
Medical tourism is a booming industry, valued at a whopping USD 47 billion, with projections to more than double in just five years
By offering halal-certified services, your hospital can tap into the Muslim consumer segment of this lucrative market, attracting patients from around the globe.
Halal certification can make your hospital an attractive destination for Muslim medical tourists as many Muslims, especially from high-income regions such as the Middle-East prefer to receive care in facilities that respect their cultural and religious needs.
Read More: The Untapped Market For Halal Pharmaceuticals
How to Get Halal Certification for Hospitals?
You can obtain halal certification for your hospital by using halal-certified pharmaceuticals, food, personal care items, packaging, and supplements. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
Step 1. Consult with a Halal Certification Agency:
Reach out to a reputable Halal certification body like the American Halal Foundation (AHF). We will provide you with detailed guidelines and requirements for certification.
Step 2. Assess Your Hospital’s Facilities and Services:
Conduct a thorough review of your hospital’s services, from food preparation to patient care practices. Identify the main areas that you need halal certification for.
Step 3. Implement Necessary Changes:
Make the required changes to your facilities and services. This may include separate kitchen areas for halal food preparation, availability of halal medicine, halal personal care items, and other relevant non-food items.
Step 4. Submit to Inspection and Audits:
AHF will conduct inspections and audits to ensure your hospital complies with halal standards. Be prepared for initial and periodic inspections in this stage.
Step 5. Train Your Staff:
AHF’s halal auditor will also educate your staff about halal requirements and the importance of cultural sensitivity. This training will cover dietary rules, patient interaction, and accommodating religious practices.
Step 6. Receive Certification and Promote It:
Once you meet all requirements, you will receive your halal certification logo. Promote this achievement through your marketing channels to attract Muslim patients and medical tourists.
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Halal certification needs to be treated as a strategic investment that benefits hospitals by enhancing patient satisfaction, gaining a competitive edge, and opening new revenue streams.
The American Halal Foundation (AHF) is a trusted partner in the halal certification process!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to get Halal certification?
A: The timeline can vary depending on your hospital’s readiness, however, generally, it can take up to 4 weeks including assessments, training, and adjustments.
Q: Is Halal certification only about food?
A: No, Halal certification encompasses more than just food. It includes respecting religious practices, providing prayer spaces, and ensuring privacy and modesty in patient care.
Q: Can non-Muslim hospitals get Halal certification?
A: Yes, any hospital can seek halal certification. It’s about providing inclusive care and respecting the needs of Muslim patients.
Q: How can Halal certification improve patient satisfaction?
A: Halal certification ensures that Muslim patients can adhere to their dietary and religious practices, leading to a more comfortable and respectful healthcare experience.