IHRA Takes the Lead in Standardizing Laboratory Services in Islamabad

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Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) successfully conducted the first Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting with key stakeholders to initiate the process of standardization and categorization of laboratories across Islamabad.

This important step reflects IHRA’s commitment to enhancing the quality, safety, and reliability of diagnostic services in the capital. By engaging all relevant stakeholders, IHRA aims to implement unified standards that will improve healthcare outcomes and ensure patient sa fety.

Together, we are working towards a stronger, safer, and more accountable healthcare system for all.

Federal Health Minister Visits IHRA Headquarters

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The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) today had the honor of hosting the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, at IHRA office. The Minister was warmly received by IHRA’s CEO, Dr. Syed Ahmed Raza Kazmi, along with the authority’s board members.

During the visit, Dr Syed Ahmed Raza Kazmi gave a detailed presentation outlining IHRA’s progress so far and its future plans to improve healthcare regulation in the capital territory. The Minister engaged in a candid discussion about the challenges faced by the healthcare sector and offered valuable guidance to help IHRA overcome these hurdles.
Syed Mustafa Kamal praised the efforts of the IHRA team and urged them to maintain high standards of transparency and accountability. He also stressed the vital role of digital transformation in modernizing healthcare services. In response, IHRA shared that it is making significant headway towards full digitalization of its operations.
The Minister’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting IHRA’s mission of ensuring quality healthcare regulation. The CEO on behalf of authority expressed its gratitude for the Minister’s encouragement and continued guidance, which will be crucial as it moves forward in strengthening healthcare oversight for the benefit of the people of Islamabad.
This visit reflects the growing focus on improving health governance through innovation and transparency, a priority echoed by the Ministry of NHR&C and IHRA

World Health Day 2025: Health Beginnings, Hopeful Future Focus on Maternal and Child Health

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World Health Day 2025: Health Beginnings, Hopeful Future
Focus on Maternal and Child Health

Islamabad, April 7, 2025 – The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) marked World Health Day 2025 with the theme, “Health Beginnings, Hopeful Future,” focusing on the importance of maternal and child health. The event, held in collaboration with the Islamabad District Health Office, was aimed at raising awareness about maternal and child health, emphasizing the significance of proper care, nutrition, and precautionary measures during pregnancy.

The event kicked off with an insightful opening address by Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool, District Health Officer of Islamabad. In her remarks, Dr. Batool highlighted the critical role of proper maternal care, underlining the importance of prenatal care and the various precautions necessary during pregnancy to ensure both mother and child’s health.

The second phase of the event saw a comprehensive workshop conducted by Dr. Ismat Rubab, a key member of the IHRA team. Dr. Rubab provided extensive guidance to healthcare workers, focusing on how to best care for pregnant women and educate them on maintaining health during pregnancy. She also emphasized the importance of vaccinations for both mothers and newborns, stressing that these preventative measures are key to securing a healthier future for the next generation.

In the third phase, the CEO of IHRA delivered his remarks on the vital role of maternal and child health. He spoke passionately about the importance of proper nutrition for mothers and children both during and after pregnancy, stressing that a healthy mother lays the foundation for a healthy child, which in turn contributes to the prosperity of a healthy nation. The CEO also expressed his gratitude towards healthcare workers who are at the forefront, spreading vital healthcare messages door to door and guiding communities in the crucial areas of maternal and child health.

The event concluded with a speech from Dr. Soofia Younas, Director General of the Population Department, Ministry of NHSR&C. As a policymaker, Dr. Younas stressed the need for continued focus on maternal and child health at the policy level, emphasizing that the efforts of healthcare workers are essential in implementing these policies on the ground. She commended the healthcare workers for their tireless work and dedication in ensuring the well-being of mothers and children across Islamabad.

The day ended with a visit by the CEO of IHRA to the District Health Office, where he engaged in meaningful discussions with healthcare workers about improving maternal and child health services in the region.

World Health Day 2025 served as a timely reminder of the importance of investing in the health of mothers and children to secure a healthier future for all. The event highlighted the collective responsibility of healthcare workers, policymakers, and communities to work together towards the goal of a healthier nation.

IHRA Approves Resolution, Clarifies Facts on November 26 Incident in 34th Board Meeting

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Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority(IHRA), in its 34th Board of Authority Meeting held on 6th Jan, 2025, unanimously approved a board resolution and has refuted misleading reports, clarify facts on November 26 incident.

In response to recent reports circulating about the events of November 26, the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority through a handout has issued a strong denial and clarification regarding several claims made in the media. The hospitals categorically refute the allegations and aim to set the record straight with accurate, evidence-based information.

First and foremost, any suggestion that hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of casualties is completely unfounded. These medical facilities have consistently demonstrated their ability to handle major emergencies, from natural disasters like earthquakes to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Their capacity to manage such situations has been proven time and again with efficiency, professionalism, and resilience.

Furthermore, the allegation that surgeries were conducted without administering anesthesia is not only false but also deeply harmful. Such claims are malicious and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the healthcare institutions and the dedicated professionals who work within them. Medical procedures are governed by strict ethical guidelines, professional protocols, and legal frameworks, all of which make such actions impossible. The source of these unfounded allegations appears to stem from either deliberate misinformation or unverified, irrelevant sources, both of which are irresponsible and misleading.

The Authority further added that hospitals also addressed the circulation of purported lists on social media, which claim to be official hospital records. These lists are not authentic and have not been verified or certified by hospital authorities. The inclusion of “Firearm Injury” in some of these lists is particularly concerning. The initial information recorded in hospital forms is based on statements from patients’ attendants and does not reflect the professional opinions of the attending doctors.

In light of these baseless claims, the Board of Authority urges all stakeholders, including the media, to avoid disseminating unverified information that could damage the credibility of the healthcare system. Such misinformation not only creates unnecessary panic but also erodes public trust in the medical professionals and institutions that serve the community. It is essential for all involved to prioritize accuracy and responsibility when reporting on sensitive matters related to public health and safety.

IHRA Conducts 58 Inspections Across Various Sectors

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During last month Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has conducted 58 inspections in different sectors and areas of Islamabad. Due to grave irregularities found in the functioning of certain healthcare establishments the Authority sealed 02 Healthcare Establishments (HCEs) in different areas of ICT.  Similarly, IHRA suspended the services of 02 Healthcare Establishments (HCEs) over different medical noncompliance, 29 Healthcare Establishments were served notices for minor non-compliances. On the other hand, 03 Healthcare Establishments (HCEs) were recommended for registration. 

PM Issues Directives on Safe Medical Waste Disposal in ICT

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To implement the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan on safe disposal of medical waste, Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) organized a meeting of all stakeholders from the federal capital. Presiding the meeting today in the office of IHRA the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IHRA discussed the need for disposing the more than 2200 health facilities in Islamabad. He said that lack of infection control practices and weak disposal mechanisms leads to the present state of high number of infections spreading in Pakistan such as Hepatitis C, and HIV. This situation is also leading to spread of antimicrobial resistance in the country.

The meeting was attended by Director General of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (DG-Pak EPA), District Health Officer (DHO) of Islamabad, representatives from Directorate of Health Services, National Institute of Health (NIH), participants of public and private health establishments, and waste disposal companies operating in Islamabad Capital Territory.

During the meeting, it was discussed that the total number of incinerators installed in the hospitals in Islamabad, their capacity of waste disposal, and the amount of waste produced by these hospitals. Additionally, the waste disposal companies shared information about the capacity of their incinerators and their operations in Islamabad.

The CEO of IHRA emphasized that all the waste disposal companies and the incinerators installed in the Hospitals must be registered with the EPA within 15-days. The CEO also directed public and private HCEs to establish a proper waste disposal system. He also said that IHRA would develop and launch a electronic waste disposal management system which will monitor the whole cycle of waste from production, segregation, collection, storage, transportation and incineration. He also said that both IHRA and EPA would conduct inspections of all health facilities to monitor the waste disposal systems and take action if non compliance of observed.