AKUH earns re-accreditation as center of excellence for stroke management

KENYA – Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUH, N) has achieved re-accreditation as a Centre of Excellence for managing acute primary stroke by the Joint Commission International (JCI). 

This recognition, awarded on July 1, 2024, follows a comprehensive audit that assessed the hospital’s adherence to global healthcare quality standards, reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional care for stroke patients.

The rigorous audit evaluated various patient care and safety aspects, including compliance with international patient safety goals, program leadership, clinical care facilitation, and performance improvement measures. 

“Quality is one of our values, and this certification is an external validation that we remain true to that value,” stated Rashid Khalani, CEO of AKUH,N. 

He emphasized the importance of external reviews: “By opening ourselves to an external review of our processes, we are benchmarking ourselves with the best hospitals globally.”

AKUH, N first received this prestigious certification in 2021, becoming the first hospital in Africa to achieve such a distinction. 

It remains the only JCI-certified Acute Primary Stroke Care Centre on the continent, with the certification reviewed every three years. 

This recent re-accreditation highlights the hospital’s ongoing commitment to quality and its leadership in stroke care across Africa.

Dr. Boniface Mativa, Chief of Medical Staff, noted the hospital’s significant investments in quality improvement processes. 

“Our benchmarking with the best quality systems globally means that we have the patient’s well-being at heart. Anyone who seeks care at AKUH can be assured that their care will follow evidence-based protocols outlined by the set quality standards,” he remarked. 

This commitment to excellence is reflected in the hospital’s comprehensive approach to stroke management, which includes supporting patient and caregiver self-management.

In addition to its stroke care accreditation, AKUH, N has a history of achieving international standards in healthcare. 

The hospital became the first in the region to receive JCI hospital accreditation in 2013 and has consistently maintained this status through regular reaccreditation. 

Furthermore 2018, the hospital’s laboratory was accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), further solidifying its reputation for excellence in laboratory services.

Khalani highlighted that quality at AKUH, N is not merely a goal but a continuous journey. 

“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,” he stated.

The re-accreditation as a Centre of Excellence for stroke management is a significant milestone for AKUH, N, reinforcing its role as a leader in healthcare quality in Africa. 

The hospital’s dedication to maintaining high standards of care benefits its patients and sets a benchmark for other healthcare facilities in the region.

 As healthcare challenges evolve, AKUH, N, remains committed to adapting and enhancing its services to meet the needs of its patients effectively.

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