Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized an awareness seminar on the Revised Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) at Noor Mahal, Ramada Hotel, Islamabad, bringing together healthcare leaders from across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The event gathered CEOs, medical directors, and senior hospital management to support the adoption of improved measures for patient care and healthcare worker safety. The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the National Anthem of Pakistan, followed by a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman, Member Board of Authority, IHRA, who underscored the role of standardized service delivery in ensuring quality healthcare outcomes.
Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, attended as chief guest and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems through regulatory reforms.
Speakers included Geir T. Tonstol, Country Director, ILO; Syed Salahudin Ahmad, Joint Secretary (Admin), MoNHSRC; and Muhammad Suhail Khawaja, Joint Secretary (Emigration), MOP&HRD, all of whom stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in implementing MSDS.
A technical presentation on the revised standards was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman and ILO Technical Consultant Mr. Saeed Pasha, offering a detailed overview of the updated requirements for healthcare facilities. The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment.
Guest of honor Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, Health Services Academy Islamabad, highlighted the importance of capacity building and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. Closing the event, IHRA Chairman Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua extended thanks to all participants for their contributions toward improving service delivery in healthcare institutions across ICT.
