Total Quality Management (TQM) in Healthcare: A Framework for Quality Enhancement and Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a transformative managerial philosophy in healthcare systems, shifting the focus from isolated quality control activities toward a comprehensive, organization-wide culture of continuous improvement. This paper examines the historical evolution of quality management in healthcare, tracing its progression from inspection-based approaches to modern, patient-centered TQM frameworks. It highlights the critical dimensions of healthcare quality—namely safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity—as foundational pillars for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).