AELC as a Transitional Accreditation Model for AYUSH Hospitals: Implementation Framework, Readiness Assessment, and Strategic Pathways Toward Full NABH Accreditation

Background: The integration of structured quality systems within AYUSH hospitals has gained momentum with the introduction of Accreditation Entry Level Certification (AELC). Smaller Ayurveda institutions often face sys-temic and infrastructural barriers in directly pursuing comprehensive NABH accreditation. Aim: To critically analyse AELC as a transitional accreditation framework and to propose a structured phased implementation pathway facilitating readiness for full NABH accreditation. Materials and Methods: A narrative analytical study was conducted using AELC standards, NABH AYUSH ac-creditation guidelines, health systems governance literature, and established quality management frameworks. Standards were evaluated using the structure–process–outcome model and phased organisational readiness theo-ry. Results: AELC provides essential safety benchmarks, documentation discipline, regulatory alignment, and gov-ernance structuring. A three-phase readiness model is proposed to transition institutions from entry-level certifi-cation to comprehensive accreditation systematically. Conclusion: AELC functions as a pragmatic and scalable accreditation bridge for AYUSH hospitals, particularly beneficial for small and medium institutions aiming for sustainable quality transformation.