KARACHI (special crosspondent) – The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has been honoured with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award for the third consecutive time by the American College of Cardiology (ACC). This recognition acknowledges the hospital’s consistent delivery of evidence-based, high-quality care that adheres strictly to international clinical guidelines for patients suffering from heart attacks.

Global Recognition for Cardiac Excellence

The award is based on the institution’s ongoing participation in the ACC Chest Pain-MI Registry, a robust system designed to help hospitals track, measure, and improve the care provided to patients in accordance with established clinical standards. For patients, this signifies that their treatment is governed by internationally recognized best practices, supported by a system that continuously audits the standard of care provided. Participation in this registry allows the medical teams at AKUH to leverage data-driven insights to refine the quality and continuity of care for cardiac events. This ensures a systematic approach from initial diagnosis and triage to clinical intervention and follow-up, while simultaneously identifying critical areas where care protocols can be further optimized.

Commitment to Patient-Centric Care

Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKU Health System, Pakistan, stated, “This international honour, received for the third consecutive time, is a powerful validation of our commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered cardiac care. It reflects the dedication of our teams to providing safe, high-quality care and continuously improving outcomes for our patients.” Given the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases, the ability to consistently measure care quality provides a vital opportunity to understand changing health trends. This is particularly relevant as medical experts observe an alarming rise in heart attacks among younger demographics, underscoring the urgent need for early detection of risk factors and the strengthening of both preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Clinical Leadership and Future Outlook

Dr. Javed Majeed Tai, Director of the Cath Lab and Site Director of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry at AKUH, remarked, “The registry allows us to continuously measure our performance against established standards and identify opportunities for improvement. This commitment to continuous learning helps us provide more uniform and high-quality care to heart attack patients.” Dr. Farhala Baloch, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiology at AKUH, added, “Understanding the evolving trends in cardiovascular disease is essential to improving prevention and care. This is especially critical as heart attacks in younger individuals are becoming a growing concern.” The receipt of this award reflects AKUH’s unwavering resolve to enhance cardiac care and ensure patient safety.

About Aga Khan University Hospital

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is a leading not-for-profit health institution providing comprehensive medical services. Rooted in the principles of access, quality, and relevance, AKU operates an extensive network across 130 cities in Pakistan. Beyond its main campus in Karachi, the network includes four off-campus hospitals, over 50 family medical centers, and more than 300 laboratory sample collection points. Recognized by the Joint Commission International (JCI) as an Academic Medical Center, its clinical laboratories also hold accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Committed to providing care regardless of socioeconomic status, AKU continues to offer extensive welfare and Zakat support; in 2025, the institution provided financial assistance valued at Rs 8.68 billion to 1.57 million patients across Pakistan. For media inquiries, contact: Shabeer Alam at shabeer.alam@aku.edu or +92 21 3310 5336.