AKUH Earns JCI Gold Seal of Approval® for Heart Bypass and Cataract Surgery

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.

A Global Benchmark for Quality Healthcare

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.

Specialised Cardiac and Eye Care Services

The certification covers two critical areas of care:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), commonly known as heart bypass surgery

• Senile cataract surgery, which treats age-related clouding of the eye's lens

These programmes ensure a consistent standard of care across every stage—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and follow-up.

Rigorous JCI Evaluation Process

AKUH underwent a comprehensive evaluation by Joint Commission International in April 2026. The audit included:

• Direct observation of clinical care

• Interviews with healthcare professionals

• Review of clinical outcomes and performance indicators

• Assessment of patient education and post-discharge care

This rigorous process ensures that certified programmes meet the highest standards in patient safety, clinical quality, and continuous improvement.

Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care

“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.

“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."

Among the Top Hospitals Globally

This achievement places AKUH among a select group of hospitals worldwide:

• Only the second hospital globally to receive JCI Clinical Care Programme Certification (CCPC) for cataract surgery

• One of just three hospitals in the world to achieve this distinction for heart bypass surgery

“Achieving programme certification requires continuous evaluation and transparency across every stage of care delivery," said Dr Mairaj Shah, Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer.

“It reflects a sustained commitment to quality improvement and patient safety—not as a one-time milestone, but as a standard to be maintained."

Advancing Healthcare Standards in Pakistan

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.​