HSA gets university status

Islamabad:The National Assembly Tuesday passed two health-related bills; while one pertains to capacity-building of health professionals, the other is expected to improve the health status of the residents of Islamabad.

The passage of the first bill has led to grant of university status to the Health Services Academy (HSA), which produces trained healthcare professionals equipped to address the public health needs of Pakistan. HSA will become the only Public Health Degree awarding institution with strong linkages with the Ministry of Health.

HSA offers degree programmes in the fields of PHD in Public Health, MSPH and other Masters programmes. Certificate and short courses are also offered for in-service training and capacity development of health professionals. As a capacity building, policy and research institute, HSA is mandated to facilitate federal, provincial and other high level stakeholders in evidence-informed policy.

The other bill, which will lead to the establishment of Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority, will enable regulation of the private health sector and establish standards for quality healthcare services in the capital. The law will promote patient safety and provide a mechanism for banning quackery in its all forms and manifestations by the health sector. The Minister for Health has congratulated the country on both developments.