First in Pakistan, South Asia as AKUH wins JCI Gold Seal for heart bypass and cataract surgery

KARACHI: In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s healthcare system, Aga Khan University Hospital has become the first hospital in Pakistan and South Asia to receive the Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval for both heart bypass surgery and age-related cataract surgery programmes—a breakthrough that signals Pakistan’s arrival among the world’s most trusted centres for highly specialized surgical care. The recognition follows a rigorous international audit conducted in early April 2026.

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This is far more than an institutional achievement. It marks a regional first in internationally benchmarked programme-level quality certification, placing Karachi at the center of a healthcare excellence story that resonates across South Asia.

The certifications cover two major clinical pathways:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), commonly known as heart bypass surgery
• Senile cataract surgery, which treats age-related clouding of the eye lens

According to the hospital, JCI evaluators used direct observation, clinical interviews, outcome reviews, and discharge preparedness assessments to judge compliance with global standards in patient safety, performance monitoring, and continuity of care.

Why this Pakistan-first milestone matters

For Pakistan’s healthcare landscape, this distinction carries historic importance.

Internationally, the hospital is now among an exceptionally small group worldwide:

• only the second hospital globally certified for senile cataract surgery under this programme
• one of just three hospitals worldwide to hold this distinction for heart bypass surgery

That instantly transforms this from a hospital story into a Pakistan healthcare credibility story.

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It demonstrates that world-class cardiac and ophthalmic surgery pathways can be designed, measured, and sustained locally at standards comparable with elite global systems.

Leadership response from AKUH

Dr. Farhat Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of the AKUH Health System, said the certification reflects the hospital’s unwavering focus on safety, systems quality, and continuous improvement.

He emphasized that every patient pathway is supported by structured care protocols designed around outcomes and recovery.

Dr. Mairaj Shah, Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer, described the certification as proof of transparent, continuously monitored care delivery rather than a one-time accreditation exercise.

A bigger signal for South Asian healthcare

The regional importance of this achievement is difficult to overstate.

For patients in Pakistan and neighboring countries, it strengthens confidence in seeking advanced bypass and cataract procedures within the region rather than looking abroad.

For hospitals, it raises the bar for:
• measurable surgical outcomes
• patient discharge readiness
• caregiver education
• clinical pathway governance
• continuous programme auditing

The larger message is clear: Pakistan is no longer only catching up in advanced healthcare—it is beginning to set benchmarks for South Asia.

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