Healthcare commissions vow to implement regulatory framework fully

LAHORE:The Joint Forum of Healthcare Commissions of Pakistan has resolved to fully implement the regulatory framework.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique attended the closing session of the Joint Forum of Health Regulatory Authorities of Pakistan organised by the Punjab Healthcare Commission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry and the World Health Organisation as the chief guest. On this occasion, regulatory agencies, health experts and policymakers discussed the government system, improving regulatory procedures and national healthcare reforms. Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasised the importance of cooperation between government and regulatory agencies and mentioned Punjab's reform healthcare initiatives. He said that the Punjab government is taking historic steps to ensure safe and quality treatment.

‘Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has full support for the improvement of the health system. Asia’s largest Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research is being built in Lahore. Mian Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the Punjab Healthcare Commission in 2010. ‘We are trying our best to improve the indicators of government hospitals. The academy of the Institute of Public Health will provide modern training to MSs. Improving the implementation of health care standards and regulations is a government priority. ‘The Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Programme, Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, Clinics on Wheels (Mobile Clinics) and Insulin Home Delivery Program are included. These measures are designed to improve access, raise the quality of treatment, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and expand free dialysis facilities, the minister said. He stressed the importance of ensuring quality health and strengthening the accountability of the patient grievance redressal system, adding political influence in the appointment of hospital administrations has been eliminated. Chairperson Board of Commissioners Maj (retd) Azam Suleman Khan said that the outcomes of this forum will promote cooperation among the commissions to improve the national healthcare policy and ensure patient safety in Pakistan. He mentioned the role of PHC in forming the Healthcare Commissions of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and stressed on working together on challenges such as resource scarcity and improving medical education. Chief Executive Officer Dr M Saqib Aziz said healthcare delivery is a complex process in which regulatory commissions play a vital role in ensuring safe and quality services.