IHRA has organized a one-day workshop/training session on “Safety of High Alert Medicines” based on guidelines notified by DRAP-Pakistan, for the healthcare providers working in different public & private hospitals, in collaboration with Shifa International Hospital and Pakistan Society of Health-System Pharmacists, PSHP.
Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority has started the quality assurance Training in dental healthcare establishments situated in Islamabad capital territory (ICT). This activity is a step forward towards standardization of dental health facilities across ICT. All dental healthcare establishments situated within the territory of ICT are directed to register themselves with IHRA for training & licensing process.
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.
IHRA has started the quality assurance Training in dental healthcare establishments situated in Islamabad. This activity is a step forward towards standardization of dental health facilities across ICT. All dental healthcare establishments situated within the territory of ICT are directed to register themselves with IHRA for training & licensing process.
IHRA has initiated the process of accrediting the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories (CCL) in Islamabad. In this regard, the IHRA team visited Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), Bhara Kahu, to inspect it according to CCL Standards, which are based on the best practices guidelines of 2017.
Moreover, IHRA advises all CCLs to ensure the practice of CCL guidelines and standards.
Islamabad healthcare regulatory authority has started the first ever quality assurance Training in dental healthcare establishments situated in Islamabad capital territory(ICT). This activity is a step forward towards standardisation of dental health facilities across ICT. All dental healthcare establishments situated within the territory of ICT are directed to register themselves with IHRA for training & licensing process.
Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has initiated the process of Licensing the Dental Healthcare Establishment in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
In this regard, the IHRA team visited Islamabad International Dental Hospital, Islamabad, to inspect it as per the IHRA Dental Standards and Checklist.
Former minister Health Dr Zafar Mirza Visits IHRA Secretariat.This visit was aimed to promote awareness about public health issues. The former Minister discussed the importance of health and well-being, both at an individual and community level, and to promote collaboration between the public and private sectors. He emphasizes the role that businesses and organizations can play in supporting public health initiatives. Dr Zafar gave a talk about his book on seven habits of highly effective people. This visit also aimed at promoting awareness about public health issues. The former Minister discussed the importance of health and well-being, both at an individual and community level. He shared his experiences and advice related to professional development, career growth, and success in the healthcare sector. The purpose of this visit was to boost morale among staff.
A MOU signing ceremony was held at IHRA Secretariat for Technical Cooperation between Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority & The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). USP has been working in the USA for more than 220 years. However, in Pakistan. USP has been implementing activities since 2015 through the “Promoting the Quality of Medicines Plus Program” funded by USAID. USP closely collaborates with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, & Coordination (MoNHSR&C), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), provincial health departments, and provincial healthcare commissions.
