AAR Healthcare Kenya sets new benchmark in quality and safety

KENYA – AAR Healthcare Kenya Limited has achieved two major global accreditation milestones that mark a significant advancement in Kenya’s private healthcare sector.

The organization recently secured ISO 15189:2022 international laboratory accreditation and attained Level 5 SafeCare Certification across its Outpatient Centres (OPCs), highlighting its commitment to delivering healthcare services that meet the highest international quality and safety standards.

These accreditations represent more than just internal recognition; they have substantial implications for the broader healthcare landscape in Kenya.

The ISO 15189:2022 accreditation, awarded by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), confirms that AAR Healthcare’s laboratories meet rigorous international benchmarks.

Among the few laboratories in Kenya to achieve this standard, facilities such as Williamson (Main Referral Lab), Sarit Centre, Karen, and City Centre now boast the capability to produce accurate, globally comparable diagnostic results.

This milestone plays a critical role in reducing diagnostic errors and enhancing patient trust by ensuring that laboratory tests are consistent with standards set by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

In addition to elevating diagnostic reliability, AAR Healthcare has also demonstrated excellence in its clinical operations.

The organization’s Outpatient Centres have earned Level 5 SafeCare Certification, following an exhaustive seven-year process of evaluation, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The SafeCare program is a rigorous, internationally recognized certification system that assesses healthcare facilities on various aspects, including clinical safety, operational efficiency, and patient care protocols.

Accredited outpatient centres include key facilities such as Embakasi, Nakuru Giddo, Nakuru Section 58, Sarit Centre, Williamson, Mountain Mall, Karen, Greenhouse, City Centre, Ngong, Rongai, and Syokimau. Additional sites, including Buruburu and Kisumu, are scheduled for assessment in 2025.

These dual achievements highlight AAR Healthcare’s proactive approach to overcoming some of the persistent challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

By aligning its operations with international standards, the organization is not only setting a new benchmark for quality and safety but also fostering greater cross-border collaboration in healthcare.

With these certifications in hand, AAR Healthcare can now offer diagnostic services that eliminate the need for duplicate testing when patients seek treatment abroad, thus streamlining healthcare delivery and reducing unnecessary costs.

The impact of these milestones is expected to extend well beyond the walls of AAR Healthcare’s facilities.

Enhanced diagnostic accuracy and improved patient safety protocols can lead to better clinical outcomes, reduced healthcare disparities, and stronger overall public health.

Moreover, these achievements serve as a testament to the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement in an increasingly dynamic and competitive healthcare environment.

“This is a defining moment for AAR Healthcare and the Kenyan healthcare sector,” said Elizabeth Wasunna, General Manager of AAR Healthcare Kenya Limited.

“Our commitment to quality and patient safety is at the core of everything we do, and these accreditations are a clear reflection of our dedication to excellence.”