Aga Khan University Hospital Advocates Africa-led Healthcare Solutions

Aga Khan University Hospital, located in Nairobi, has called for a coordinated Africa-led strategy to address the continent's healthcare challenges. During a media roundtable in Lagos, Chief Operating Officer Khurram Jamal emphasized the need to strengthen health systems, enhance care quality, invest in specialist training, and expand clinical research.

He noted that Africa loses approximately $7 billion annually to medical tourism, with over 300,000 Africans traveling to India for specialist healthcare. This trend is attributed to inadequate specialist services and the perception that superior healthcare is only available outside Africa.

Jamal stressed that reversing this trend requires significant investments in quality healthcare delivery and regional partnerships. He stated that confidence in African hospitals must be restored through internationally recognized standards and continuous service improvement.

Aga Khan University Hospital has invested in internationally accredited systems and was the first in East Africa to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, maintaining it through periodic reaccreditation.