The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), held a seminar aimed at promoting improved healthcare standards and safety for both patients and healthcare workers in Islamabad. The event gathered top executives, medical directors, and senior managers from hospitals across the Islamabad Capital Territory to discuss the adoption of the revised Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS).
The seminar opened with formal proceedings and a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman, who emphasized the critical role of standardized healthcare delivery in achieving better patient outcomes. Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, led the event as chief guest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare through reforms and regulatory measures.
Prominent officials, including Geir T. Tonstol, Country Director of the ILO, Syed Salahudin Ahmad from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, and Muhammad Suhail Khawaja from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, highlighted the need for collaboration between agencies to ensure the implementation of new healthcare standards.
A detailed technical presentation on the revised MSDS was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman and ILO Technical Consultant Saeed Pasha, outlining the updated requirements healthcare facilities are expected to meet. Participants engaged in a dynamic question-and-answer session to discuss the practical implications of these changes.
Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy Islamabad, concluded the seminar by stressing the importance of ongoing training and continuous evaluation to maintain compliance with MSDS. Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua, Chairman of the IHRA Board of Authority, thanked all stakeholders for their contributions.
The seminar functioned as a vital forum for dialogue among regulators, healthcare providers, and international partners, generating momentum for enhanced healthcare service delivery across public and private institutions in Islamabad.
