Frequent questions

Do the Aga Khan Health Service (AKHS, P) medical facilities provide tertiary care?
The medical facilities located in urban and rural Pakistan focus on providing primary and secondary level care. However, they are part of the AKHS international referral system, with links to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

Is the Aga Khan Health Services a non-profit organisation?
The Aga Khan Health Services is a non-profit organisation. Profit generated within the Services is channeled for the betterment of impoverished communities in the remote and underserved areas of Pakistan including Sindh, the Northern Areas and Chitral.

Are welfare subsidies available for patients?
Subsidies are available on the basis of need and handled case by case. Funding is made available from donations and Zakat. The Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) does not deny anyone delivery of healthcare due to financial limitations.

Is the Hospital only for Ismailis?
The Aga Khan Hospitals are committed to make long-term, sustainable, high quality healthcare accessible to as many Pakistanis as possible, regardless of religious, racial or ethnic background. It is an equal opportunity employer with fair hiring policies based on qualification and competency.

Are doctors also engaged at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan?
Medical facilities of the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan and the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan (AKUH) form part of the AKHS international referral network. Physicians within the Network refer patients to the best possible medical care, keep abreast of the latest medical technologies, breakthroughs and undergo professional development at AKUH.

Why are AKHS medical fees higher than at other hospitals?
The Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) believes in providing high quality health care delivered by professionally trained, competent and skilled staff. These services and facilities cost slightly higher.

Why are children under 12 years not allowed to visit patients?
Children are not allowed to visit ward patients to protect them from hospital acquired infections. Being unfamiliar to the hospital environment, they may disturb patients. Visits also may not have a positive psychological effect on both child and patient.

Why are husbands not allowed in the labour room?
Husbands are not allowed in the labour room to ensure the patient's privacy and also out of respect for cultural and religious sensitivities.

Does the Aga Khan University Hospital offer special discounts to patients referred from the Aga Khan Hospital for Women, Karimabad Hyderabad and the Aga Khan Diagnostic Centre, Karimabad?
Discounts may be offered at the sole discretion of the Aga Khan University Hospital Finance Department.

What is the relationship between the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the Aga Khan Hospitals in Pakistan?
The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan (AKUH) is a tertiary care hospital while medical facilities of the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) offer primary and secondary health care. The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) provides 24 hour services, state of the art technology while AKHS, P offers limited secondary care including intensive and coronary care.

Why are patients only referred to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) for tertiary care?
The Hospital refers patients to the best possible medical care available. As the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is internationally recognised, is well equipped and has competent medical and paramedical staff, referrals are made in the best interest of patients.