Karachi — Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval by Joint Commission International (JCI) for its heart bypass and cataract surgery programmes, becoming the first hospital in Pakistan and South Asia to achieve this distinction.
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The certification recognises AKUH’s compliance with international standards in two critical areas: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery and senile cataract surgery, which addresses age-related vision impairment.
The evaluation followed a comprehensive audit conducted in April 2026, during which JCI assessed clinical practices, patient care standards, performance metrics, and post-treatment support through on-site observations and interviews.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Farhat Abbas said the recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality and safe patient care. He noted that teams at AKUH continuously strive to meet global benchmarks through a system focused on quality, safety, and improvement.
Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer Dr Mairaj Shah added that achieving the certification requires sustained evaluation and transparency across all stages of care delivery.
With this achievement, AKUH joins a select group of global institutions, becoming only the second hospital worldwide to receive Clinical Care Programme Certification (CCPC) for cataract surgery and among a few globally recognised for heart bypass programmes.
As a leading not-for-profit healthcare provider, AKUH operates an extensive network across Pakistan, offering advanced medical services and financial assistance to millions of patients annually.
Officials said the certification further strengthens trust in Pakistan’s healthcare system and reinforces AKUH’s role in delivering internationally benchmarked medical care.
