Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUH, N) has been re-certified as a Centre of Excellence for the management of acute primary stroke by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the globally recognized leader in healthcare quality standards. This is the second time AKUH, N has achieved this prestigious certification, reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest standard of care for stroke patients.
The re-certification follows a thorough and rigorous audit process that evaluated various aspects of the hospital’s care and patient safety protocols. Key areas assessed included international patient safety goals, program leadership and management, clinical care delivery and facilitation, patient and caregiver self-management support, clinical information management, and performance measurement and improvement.
First certified in 2021, AKUH, N holds the distinction of being the only JCI-certified Acute Primary Stroke Care Centre in Africa. The certification, which is reviewed every three years, underscores the hospital’s dedication to maintaining exceptional healthcare standards.
“Quality is one of our values and this certification is an external validation that we remain true to that value,” said Rashid Khalani, CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi. “By opening ourselves to an external review of our processes, we are benchmarking with the best hospitals globally.”
Dr. Boniface Mativa, Chief of Medical Staff, highlighted the hospital’s significant investments in ensuring that their care processes align with global best practices. “Our benchmarking with the best quality systems globally means that we have the patient’s well-being in our hearts and anyone who seeks care at AKUH is assured that their care will follow the evidence-based care protocols outlined by the set quality standards,” said Dr. Mativa.
This re-certification adds to a series of international recognitions and accreditations AKUH, N has received over the years. The hospital was the first in the region to earn JCI hospital accreditation in 2013 and has been reaccredited every three years since. In 2018, the hospital’s laboratory received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), acknowledging its exemplary laboratory services. Additionally, in 2020, AKUH, N was certified as a Centre of Excellence for the management of heart attacks by JCI, becoming the first hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve this certification.
“At AKUH, N, quality is not an event but a lifestyle. We are open to continuously learning to improve our quality protocols in care for our patients and appreciate all initiatives that are in favor of this agenda,” Mr. Khalani added.
The re-certification by JCI solidifies Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi’s position as a leading healthcare provider in Africa, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.