Introduction. Traditional forms of internal quality control have not ensured sustained improvements in the quality of medical care or in patient satisfaction. This underscores the need to transition toward Total Quality Management (TQM), which is grounded in process standardization, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care. Purpose of the study. To examine the relationship between strategic quality management in medical care and improvements in healthcare performance indicators, and to propose conceptual frameworks for developing a quality management strategy in healthcare institutions. Materials and Methods. A theoretical and analytical study was conducted using statistical and synthetic methods. Data from the 2021 and 2024 regional quality-of-life rankings and healthcare system performance assessments in the Russian Federation were analyzed. A target quality index and a healthcare efficiency index were calculated for the Moscow Region, and changes over time were evaluated. Results and Discussion. Between 2021 and 2024, the Moscow Region demonstrated a notable improvement in key performance indicators for medical care quality (from 79.3% to 84.5%) and overall healthcare system efficiency (from 69.4% to 70.6%). This positive trend can be attributed to a reduction in mortality rates, a decline in morbidity, and the advancement of internal quality assurance mechanisms. The analysis identified three universal groups of strategic quality management criteria: structural, process, and outcome. For each group, specific single variables (or single criteria) were proposed to characterize medical care quality from different perspectives: the structural criteria reflect the organizational and managerial framework of healthcare institutions; the process criteria describe the design and implementation of internal workflows; and the outcome criteria assess the results of medical practice and the effectiveness of healthcare service to the population. Conclusion. Transitioning from internal quality control to TQM enables proactive process management, supports digitalization and standardization efforts, enhances patient satisfaction, and improves resource utilization. Successful implementation of TQM in healthcare institutions requires a comprehensive organizational transformation—encompassing internal audits, regulatory standardization, and the development of a quality-driven culture in which the quality and safety of medical care are established as core organizational values.