12/08/2025
Islamabad, 12 August 2025 — The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized an Awareness Seminar on the Revised Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) at Noor Mahal, Ramada Hotel, Islamabad. The event brought together CEOs, Medical Directors, and senior management from hospitals across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to support healthcare facilities in adopting improved measures for patient care and healthcare worker safety.
The seminar commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman, Member Board of Authority, IHRA, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of standardized healthcare delivery for ensuring quality patient outcomes.
Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, graced the event as the chief guest and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems through regulatory reforms.
The session also featured remarks from Geir T. Tonstol, Country Director, ILO; Syed Salahudin Ahmad Joint Secretary (Admin), MoNHSRC; and Mr. Muhammad Suhail Khawaja, Joint Secretary (Emigration), MOP&HRD, who emphasized inter-agency collaboration in implementing healthcare standards.
A technical presentation on the revised MSDS was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman and Mr. Saeed Pasha, Technical Consultant, ILO, providing a comprehensive overview of the updated requirements for healthcare facilities. This was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session with participants.
In his closing remarks, the guest of honor Prof Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, Health Services Academy Islamabad, stressed the significance of capacity building and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with MSDS. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua, Chairman, Board of Authority, IHRA, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders.
The event served as an important platform for fostering dialogue between regulators, healthcare providers, and international partners, paving the way for improved service delivery in healthcare institutions across the ICT.