<p>The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Pakistan, has been awarded The Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval® for its heart bypass surgery and senile (age-related) cataract surgery programmes. This achievement makes AKUH the first hospital in Pakistan and South Asia to receive this distinction for these clinical care pathways.
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</strong></p><p><strong>A Global Benchmark for Quality Healthcare</strong></p><p>The JCI Gold Seal of Approval is recognised worldwide as a benchmark for excellence in healthcare. It reflects AKUH's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centred care aligned with international standards.
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</strong></p><p><strong>Specialised Cardiac and Eye Care Services</strong></p><p>The certification covers two critical areas of care:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li><strong>Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)</strong>, commonly known as heart bypass surgery </li><li><strong>Senile cataract surgery</strong>, which treats age-related clouding of the eye's lens </li></ul><p>These programmes ensure a consistent standard of care across every stage—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and follow-up.
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</strong></p><p><strong>Rigorous JCI Evaluation Process</strong></p><p>AKUH underwent a comprehensive evaluation by Joint Commission International in April 2026. The audit included:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Direct observation of clinical care </li><li>Interviews with healthcare professionals </li><li>Review of clinical outcomes and performance indicators </li><li>Assessment of patient education and post-discharge care </li></ul><p>This rigorous process ensures that certified programmes meet the highest standards in patient safety, clinical quality, and continuous improvement.
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</strong></p><p><strong>Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care</strong></p><p>“This certification reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standards of care to our patients," said Dr Farhat Abbas, Chief Executive Officer, AKUH Health System, Pakistan.</p><p>“Our teams work tirelessly to meet these rigorous standards, ensuring that every patient is supported by a system built on quality, safety, and continuous improvement."
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</strong></p><p><strong>Among the Top Hospitals Globally</strong></p><p>This achievement places AKUH among a select group of hospitals worldwide:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Only the <strong>second hospital globally</strong> to receive JCI Clinical Care Programme Certification (CCPC) for cataract surgery </li><li>One of just <strong>three hospitals in the world</strong> to achieve this distinction for heart bypass surgery </li></ul><p>“Achieving programme certification requires continuous evaluation and transparency across every stage of care delivery," said Dr Mairaj Shah, Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer.</p><p>“It reflects a sustained commitment to quality improvement and patient safety—not as a one-time milestone, but as a standard to be maintained."
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</strong></p><p><strong>Advancing Healthcare Standards in Pakistan</strong></p><p>By securing these certifications, AKUH continues to bring internationally benchmarked healthcare standards to Pakistan. This milestone strengthens patient trust and reinforces AKUH's role as a leader in cardiac care, eye care, and patient safety.
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