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.

 

IHRA Staff Completes Basic Resuscitation Course

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IHRA staff has completed a Basic Resuscitation course, equipping us with lifesaving skills to respond in case of a medical emergency.We’re proud to prioritize our staff’s training and well-being, ensuring we’re prepared to provide care and support when it matters most.

IHRA Raids Drive Quacks Out of Capital, Qualified Doctors Set Up Clinics

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Following a series of raids by the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) in the outskirts of Islamabad to curb quackery, trained and qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors and dentists, have started establishing clinics in these areas, officials claimed on Wednesday.

They said quacks, including dispensers and medical technicians posing as doctors and dentists, were “on the run” due to repeated raids by the IHRA teams. To fill the gaps, trained and qualified doctors and dentists are now establishing their clinics in areas such as Rawat, Bara Kaho, and Tarnol, they added.

“We have compelled many quacks to flee Islamabad, and they are now moving to other areas of the country. But, we are informing authorities in other provinces to take action against them. The resulting gap is being filled by trained and qualified healthcare professionals in low-income areas on the outskirts of Islamabad,” said Dr. Quaid Saeed, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IHRA, while talking to The News.

Providing details of the latest activities of the anti-quackery teams, Dr. Quaid Saeed said their inspection team sealed a hospital in the Tarnol area of Islamabad after expired injections, broken injection vials, expired blood sample tubes, and expired medicines were found inside the facility. Additionally, there was no waste management system in place, he added.

“Our inspection team sealed the hospital as it was not registered with IHRA. A doctor’s name was mentioned on the prescription pad, but he had no link with the hospital. Used IV drips and expired medicines were found in the hospital, along with many other irregularities,” he said.

The inspection teams found practitioners at various hospitals and clinics in the Tarnol area.

“When the team arrived at Mircha Stop in Tarnol and started inspecting healthcare establishments, health practitioners in the area began receiving calls about our team’s arrival, after which every healthcare establishment in the area was found closed. The inspection team then moved to another area and continued its activity there. When the team sealed one healthcare establishment in the next area at around 8:00 pm, the whole area was found closed,” he informed.

Another IHRA team in the Tarnol area sealed a clinic as it was not registered with IHRA, and a dental technician was involved in making dental fixtures and implants. Used syringes filled with lignocaine injections, dental fixtures, and braces were found.

They also sealed a medical centre as it was being run by a technician, and there was no system of infection prevention and control at the facility.

A dispensary, previously sealed by IHRA and fined Rs50,000 by the 66th hearing committee last year, was again found operational with a quack, practicing as a medical doctor. Used syringes and drips were found in the facility.

Warnings were issued to different medical stores, while qualified practitioners were found at some clinics and medical centres. Several healthcare facilities were closed down as the team reached the area, likely being run by quacks.

Another IHRA team in Sarai Kharboza on GT Road sealed a clinic, which was not registered with IHRA, where a quack was practicing as a physician at the time of inspection.

They also sealed two clinics and a medical centre for not being registered with IHRA and being run by quacks.