In a groundbreaking achievement, The Indus Hospital Blood Center (TIHBC) in Korangi, Karachi, has successfully passed the on-site AABB accreditation audit, becoming the only site in Pakistan and SAARC countries to attain American standards in blood banking. This accreditation marks a major milestone for blood safety in Pakistan, which has a background of hepatitis infection rate of 7 to 10% in the population, positioning the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) as a trailblazer in healthcare excellence.
The achievement not only reflects the commitment of the Indus Hospital Health Network (IHHN) to deliver free-of-cost quality care but also sets a new standard for blood banking in the region. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy in the context of Pakistan’s challenges in health, economics, and infrastructure. A media briefing was held on November 30, 2023, to announce this milestone in Pakistan’s history. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of IHHN, said “Accreditation by AABB is a challenging feat globally, and for a developing country like Pakistan, it is truly remarkable.
The journey towards AABB accreditation began with inspectors from the USA conducting strict meticulous audits at the Indus Hospital Blood Center, which, concluded without any observations or non-conformances on the first time. We are incredibly proud of our hardworking team, who by building their own capacity, were able to achieve TIHBC’s AABB accreditation without having to hire any international consultants. On achieving the AABB accreditation, the chairman & CEO Pakistan Observer Faisal Zahid Malik who is also the corporate ambassador of the Indus Hospital has commended the efforts of hospital’s management and the dedicated team under the leadership of Dr Abdul Bari Khan. He further said that the Indus Hospital & Health Network stands at the forefront of centralized blood banking in Pakistan, through the largest network of its kind in the country. Faisal Zahid Malik emphasised the society to support Indus Hospital for the humanitarian welfare.
“This AABB accreditation also sets an achievable benchmark for other institutes to aspire to, encouraging the adoption of safe blood transfusion practices across Pakistan. IHHN’s success serves as a prime example, conveying the message that if IHHN can achieve such a challenging milestone, other blood centers can too the developing countries.
Dr. Saba Jamal, Senior Director, Indus Hospital Blood Center, addressed the audience at the media briefing saying, “Some ask us why do we need such a high-standard and “luxurious” care in Pakistan, when it is facing so many economic challenges.
To them I say, In Pakistan we have expensive imported cars, grand houses, and all sorts of luxuries for ourselves; instead of placing our money in these objects we should prioritize humanitarian initiatives that will improve the health of our nation. At IHHN, our free-of-cost care ensures that even the poorest of the poor patient will receive safe blood delivered at American standards in blood banking.” “Going forward we plan on developing a comprehensive hemophilia care center and a thalassemia prevention center. Both initiatives have been so far untouched in Pakistan.
Like TIHBC’s AABB accreditation, these initiatives, once established, will be prototypes demonstrating how other centers in Pakistan can provide excellent quality of care despite fewer resources.” The AABB accreditation is the culmination of a journey that started with ISO 15189 accreditation of The Indus Hospital Blood Center in February 2022.
This was followed by the accreditation of Regional Blood Center Jamshoro, Hospital Blood Bank Hyderabad, Hospital Blood Bank Thatta, and Hospital Blood Bank Badin in July 2022 which are managed by IHHN in Public Private Partnership with the Health Department Sindh. These milestones have established a new benchmark for public sector blood banks in Pakistan. Patients at The Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus, Karachi, are now receiving certified safe blood at American standards, completely free of cost.
This achievement underscores IHHN’s commitment to providing quality care that matches international standards. Also in attendance were Syed Mashhood Rizvi, Executive Director, Communication & Resource Development Directorate, IHHN, Dr. Shabneez Hussain, Head of Blood Transfusion Services, IHHN and other senior members of IHHN
