Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital receives JCI certification for the program of preventing infection risk and medication errors in intravenous therapy (PRIME JCI)

On 24/02/2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital (BV ĐHYD) officially received JCI certification for the “Prevention of infection risk and medication errors in intravenous therapy (PRIME)” program. This is an important step forward in the journey to improve the quality of care and patient safety according to the practice standards of the International Committee on Patient Safety (JCI).

The PRIME program has been implemented at BV ĐHYD since July/2024, aiming to improve the quality of care. This is a collaboration between experts from the US JCI organization and BD Company, to standardize intravenous injection practices according to international standards. After 10 months of implementation, nearly 1,000 nurses, pharmacists, and infection control staff have been trained, with nearly 200 core trainers receiving the PRIME Champions certification. BV ĐHYD is the unit that completed the program in the shortest time compared to other hospitals in Vietnam.

Speaking at the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Bac – Director of HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital said: “The hospital sincerely thanks the advisors from the JCI organization and the experts from BD Company who have accompanied the PRIME program. The achievements obtained are proof of the spirit of unity and continuous effort of the Hospital staff in maintaining, improving, and ensuring international standards for patient safety. We are committed to continue innovating, aiming for a standard, advanced, and distinctive care model, creating sustainable value for the community and enhancing patient safety levels.”

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Bac – Director of HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital speaking

According to TS ĐD. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Minh – Head of the Hospital Nursing Department, BV ĐHYD is the first university hospital in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to successfully implement the PRIME JCI program with a scale of 1,000 participating nurses. This is also a pioneering hospital with the largest implementation scale nationwide, almost fully meeting the requirements of the JCI organization. This success is thanks to the determination and support of the Hospital Management Board, the unity of the Leaders of the Departments/Units and the effort of each Hospital staff.

TS ĐD. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Minh – Head of the Hospital Nursing Department reports on the implementation of the program

PGS TS DS. Đặng Nguyễn Đoan Trang - Head of the Hospital Pharmacy Department reports on the implementation of the program

Prof. Dr. Huỳnh Minh Tuấn – Head of the Hospital Infection Control Department reports on the implementation of the program

Prof. Jeannell M. Mansur – Senior Advisor of the JCI Organization, Director of the PRIME JCI program sends congratulations to the University Hospital of Medicine and Pharmacy. “From the very beginning of implementation, the Hospital has affirmed its strong determination and commitment to comply with and realize JCI standards in care practice. I am confident that the Hospital will not only maintain but also continuously update, improve, and develop the program, expand its scope of application, enhance practical effectiveness, contributing to building a safe, quality, and sustainable healthcare environment.”

Prof. Monnie Abraham – JCI Organization Advisor congratulates the Hospital

Dr. Monnie Abraham – JCI Organization Advisor, primarily responsible for evaluating the monthly results of the PRIME JCI program at HCMC Hospital, stated: “The hospital not only strictly adheres to the program’s requirements but also proactively sets higher standards for continuous improvement. With a large and highly skilled staff, this is a crucial foundation that contributes to the hospital’s success in this program.”

Ms. Suba Santhanam - Business Development Director for Southeast Asia, sends congratulations to the Hospital

MSc. Mohd Faqaruzi Bin Ripin - Clinical Manager, Medical Division, BD Southeast Asia, speaks

Mr. Võ Xuân Thắng - General Director, BD Vietnam speaking

The implementation of the PRIME program according to the standards of the JCI organization is an important international certification, affirming the quality of safe and professional patient care at the University Medical Center Hospital. The PRIME program is tightly controlled from the initial stage of infusion therapy, including the selection of appropriate equipment, vascular access techniques such as site identification, skin preparation, catheter placement, fixation, locking, and maintaining the line. At the same time, the program ensures that the drug preparation process meets standards, from the environment, professional techniques, dosage calculation to safety when handling hazardous drugs. Medication use management is strictly carried out, from pharmacist‑approved prescription verification, infusion rate calculation to responsibility for post‑administration monitoring. Additionally, the program also focuses on controlling unwanted outcomes such as preventing hospital‑acquired infections and medication errors, aiming to enhance patient safety.

Mr. Nick Liew - International Manager for the Asia-Pacific region, JCI Organization presented the PRIME JCI certification to the Hospital

The program has been implemented in more than 50 hospitals worldwide, PRIME has become an international medical standard, and the University Hospital of Medicine and Pharmacy is proud to have achieved this prestigious certification. This success further confirms the Hospital's commitment to continuous innovation, improving treatment quality, and providing healthcare services that meet international standards, safe and effective.

Awarding the certification to PRIME leaders

Awarding the certification to PRIME Champions: