Punjab Healthcare Commission - PHC

17/01/2025

The PHC is organizing a one-day training session on MSDS for Dialysis Facilities. Healthcare establishments (HCEs) and providers from Rawalpindi and nearby districts are invited to apply. To participate, submit your application through the following link:
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-apllication-training

13/01/2025

The PHC is organizing a one-day training session on MSDS for Dialysis Facilities. Healthcare establishments (HCEs) and providers from Faisalabad and nearby districts are invited to apply. To participate, submit your application through the following link:
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-apllication-training

10/01/2025

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) issued a directive under Section 4(2)(o) of the PHC Act 2010 to all public and private hospitals, laboratories and diagnostic centres to report any confirmed or suspected HIV/AIDS cases identified through diagnostic tests to the HIV/AIDS treatment centres within 24 hours of diagnosis. This also applies to all units, including pathology departments, dialysis units, emergency wards, and outpatient departments. Moreover, they have been directed to ensure the confidentiality of the patient data. They have also been warned against non-compliance, which may result in penalties including fines and potential closure of services.

This directive aims to ensure timely reporting, confidentiality, and accountability in managing HIV/AIDS cases.

09/01/2025

PHC organises one-day training on MSDS for dialysis facilities

The Punjab Healthcare Commission, to assist healthcare establishments (HCEs) in implementing level-specific minimum service delivery standards (MSDS), organised a one-day training session on the MSDS for dialysis facilities. The session was attended by 28 participants, including nephrologists, physicians, medical officers, dialysis nurses, renal technologists, quality assurance managers, and administrative staff from HCEs providing dialysis services across Punjab. Consultant nephrologist at Bahria International Hospital Dr Ahad Qayyum served as the subject matter expert, while supporting a training team comprising Director Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards PHC Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, Additional Director (Trainings) Dr Majed Latif and Deputy Director (Standards Development and Dissemination) Dr Imtiaz Ali.
In the opening session, Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz emphasised the importance of quality healthcare services and patient safety as the hallmarks of the PHC regulatory framework. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the implementation of the Standards of care at all dialysis facilities to enhance patient safety. He informed participants about the shortcomings in the MSDS compliance identified by the PHC teams during recent inspections across the province. He highlighted that the objective of the training was to help dialysis service providers develop a better understanding of the prescribed standards and to encourage efforts to deliver dialysis services in accordance with best practices. He further stressed the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records and making every effort to reduce hospital-acquired infections, particularly focusing on the prevention of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C in dialysis facilities.
Dr Mushtaq Ahmad provided a brief overview of the PHC’s operations and the consultation process adopted in the development of MSDS for dialysis facilities. During an interactive session, he acknowledged the role of nephrologists in both developing and implementing MSDS for such high-tech services to prevent the transmission of infections among chronic haemodialysis patients. He emphasised the necessity of preventing infection transmission through the decontamination of dialysis machines, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by staff, and the maintenance of reverse osmosis (RO) plants in accordance with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines.
Dr Ahad Qayyum discussed the significance of implementing MSDS at dialysis centres to prevent the transmission of infections among chronic haemodialysis patients. He stated that only by adhering to these standard precautions and following infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines could we effectively reduce the risk of infection transmission for patients, their caregivers, and healthcare service providers.
The aim of the training was to assist dialysis facilities in achieving compliance with the MSDS prescribed by the Commission; thereby improving the quality of care and ensuring optimal patient safety. Detailed compliance requirements and assessment aspects of all prescribed standards were presented interactively, encouraging discussions and seeking feedback based on field experiences.

02/01/2025

PHC holds meeting with National Council for Tibb on advancements in Unani medicine

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) convened a meeting at its head office, bringing together delegations from the National Council for Tibb (NCT) and the Qarshi Foundation. The meeting, chaired by Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz, aimed to share insights and discuss progress in the Unani/natural system of medicine, ensuring alignment with global health needs and quality standards.
In his opening remarks, Dr Saqib Aziz underscored the importance of collaboration with the NCT and alternative treatment providers under the UAH Practitioners Act. He acknowledged their important roles as stakeholders while addressing concerns regarding prevalent malpractices that have been reported within the system. The CEO emphasised the necessity for the NCT and organisations, like the Qarshi Foundation, to actively support the Commission in enhancing quality and ensuring patient safety. He iterated the importance of advancing the Tibb-e-Unani system and modernising the curriculum in accordance with the global standards on evidence-based practices. He stressed the necessity of compiling data on the effectiveness of treatment modalities for broader acceptance and credibility.
Director of Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards Dr Mushtaq Ahmed informed the attendees that, in line with the PHC recommendations, the NCT had directed all Tibb institutions to train enrolled individuals on the minimum service delivery standards (MSDS). “This initiative is aimed at ensuring quality and compliance across the system,” He said.
President NCT Hakeem Muhammad Ahmad Saleemi enriched the discussion with insightful interpretations of the Tibb-e-Unani system, detailing its foundational principles and contemporary practices.
CEO Qarshi Foundation Adeel Saeed Mir elaborated on the historical evolution and global advancements in Unani medicine, emphasising its lasting relevance in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges and meeting the health needs of the public. Head of Health Projects at Qarshi Foundation Yasir Amin provided a comprehensive overview of the Foundation’s ongoing projects.
Delegations from the NCT and Qarshi Foundation expressed their commitment to leading advancements in Unani medicine, ensuring to meet global health needs and upholding quality standards.

02/01/2025

01/01/2025

PHC gains ISO 9001:2015 Recertification

24/12/2024

The PHC is organizing a one-day training session on Standards and Best Practice Guidelines for Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Healthcare establishments (HCEs) and providers from Rawalpindi and nearby districts are invited to apply. To participate, submit your application through the following link:
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-apllication-training

24/12/2024

Qualification and credentialing requirements for the practitioners of aesthetic medicine and procedures

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has directed strict adherence to aesthetic medicine recognition and accreditation standards. In a letter, the Council has decided to recognise aesthetic medicine as a speciality rather than a standalone qualification, requiring a structured registration pathway similar to other postgraduate specialities. The PM&DC has also directed that institutions intending to offer this qualification must provide at least two years of structured training with a comprehensive curriculum covering all essential aspects of the field. Strict adherence to PM&DC’s accreditation protocols, including detailed programme outline and compliance with the postgraduate programme criteria, is mandatory. Institutions have been directed to apply to the PM&DC for recognition of their postgraduate qualifications in aesthetic medicine and take the necessary measures to comply with these directives.

24/12/2024

PHC organises one-day training on MSDS for dialysis facilities

The Punjab Healthcare Commission, in an endeavour to facilitate healthcare establishments (HCEs) in implementing level-specific minimum service delivery standards (MSDS), arranged a one-day training on MSDS for dialysis facilities at Multan. The training was attended by 33 participants, including nephrologists, physicians, medical officers, dialysis nurses, renal technologists, quality assurance managers and administration persons. The training team comprised Director Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards PHC Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, Additional Director (Trainings) Dr Majed Latif, co-facilitator Deputy Director (Operations) Dr Shafique-ur-Rehman and subject specialist Associate Professor Nephrology King Edward Medical University Dr Irfan Elahi.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz reiterated the Commission’s determination to ensure the implementation of prescribed standards of care at all HCEs of Punjab to ensure patient safety. He apprised the participants about the shortcomings in the MSDS compliance, assessed by the PHC during the recent inspections undertaken across Punjab. He highlighted that the objective of the training was to enable dialysis service providers to develop a better understanding of the prescribed Standards, and make efforts to deliver dialysis services in accordance with the best practices. The CEO also emphasised maintaining accurate and updated patient records and making all efforts to reduce hospital-acquired infections, particularly focusing on the prevention of blood-transmitted diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C at the dialysis facilities.
The aim of the training was to facilitate the dialysis centres for compliance to the MSDS of the Commission to improve the quality of care and achieve optimal patient safety. Detailed compliance requirements and assessment aspects of all prescribed Standards were presented in an interactive manner, encouraging discussions and seeking feedback in light of the on-field experiences.

20/12/2024

The PHC is organizing a one-day training session on Standards and Best Practice Guidelines for Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Healthcare establishments (HCEs) and providers from Faisalabad and nearby districts are invited to apply. To participate, submit your application through the following link:

https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-apllication-training

16/12/2024

PHC holds online training on quality of care and clinical protocols for patient safety

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) organised a one-day online training session on “Quality of Care and Clinical Protocols for Patient Safety.” The programme aimed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement service delivery standards and clinical protocols, thereby enhancing patient safety. The session underscored the critical importance of adhering to established standards and adopting proactive measures to safeguard patients, reflecting PHC’s commitment to raising healthcare quality across Punjab.
The training was facilitated by Director of Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Salariya, and Additional Director (Trainings) Dr Majed Latif. They provided expert guidance and insights to ensure participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices essential for improving healthcare outcomes.

16/12/2024

پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن نے ہومیو پیتھک ڈاکٹرز کاآن لائن کورس مکمل کروا دیا
پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن نے نیشنل کونسل برائے ہومیو پیتھی سے رجسٹرڈ ہومیو پیتھک ڈاکٹرز کے لیے دو ہفتے دورانیہ کے دوسرے آن لائن سرٹیفیکیٹ کورس کو مکمل کروا دیا۔ جس کے پہلا سیشن کا انعقاد 20نومبر جبکہ دوسرے کا 04 دسمبرکو آن لائن کیا گیا۔ اس کورس کا مقصد نیشنل کونسل فار ہومیو پیتھی سے رجسٹرڈ معالجین کو خدمات کے کم از کم معیار [ایم ایس ڈی ایس] پر عملدآمد کر کے کمیشن سے لائسنس /رینیول حاصل کرنے کے طریقہ کار کے متعلق معلومات اور ہومیوپیتھی کے قوانین ، رولز اور ہومیو پیتھک ضابطہ اخلاق کے بارے میں مکمل آگاہی فراہم کرناہے۔ آن لائن کورس میں کمیشن کے ایڈیشنل ڈائریکٹر ٹریننگزڈاکٹر ماجد لطیف ، ڈپٹی ڈائریکٹر سٹینڈرڈز ڈویلپمنٹ ڈاکٹر امتیاز علی اور اسسٹنٹ ڈائریکٹر سٹینڈرڈز ڈویلپمنٹ فاروق حسن نے پی ایچ سی کے وضع کردہ خدمات کے معیار برائے ہومیو پیتھک کلینکس سے متعلق تفصیل سے آگاہ کیا ۔شرکاء نے امید ظاہر کی کہ اس طرح کے کورسز میں شامل ہو کر ہومیو پیتھک ڈاکٹرز اپنے کلینکس میں مریضوں کو محفوظ صحت کی سہولیات فراہم کرنے کے عمل کو یقینی بناسکیں گے۔ اس کورس میں شامل ہونے کے خواہاں ہومیو پیتھک ڈاکٹرز پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن کی ویب سائٹ وزٹ کریں یا مندرجہ ذیل لنک پر کلک کریں۔
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-certificate -certificate

13/12/2024

Early mobilisation of patients

Encouraging Early mobilisation is a critical component of patient care, aimed at enhancing recovery by initiating movement as soon as it is safe after surgery, injury, or illness. This information, education and communication (IEC) material is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a structured, evidence-based approach to assess, plan, and implement Early mobilisation of patients in various healthcare settings, including post-surgery, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), rehabilitation, etc.
The primary goals of Early Mobilization include preventing complications related to prolonged immobility, such as muscle atrophy, blood clots, pneumonia and pressure ulcers/bed sores while promoting faster recovery, improved cardiovascular and pulmonary function, and increased patient independence besides reducing the cost of prolonged hospitalisation. The main objective of this document is to promote patient recovery by encouraging safe and timely physical movement after surgery, injury, or critical illness.
Please click on the following link for complete document.
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/download/publication

13/12/2024

PHC organises one-day training on MSDS for cardiac catheterisation labs

The Punjab Healthcare Commission, as a part of its regular feature to facilitate healthcare establishments in implementing the level-specific minimum service delivery standards (MSDS), organised one-day training on Standards and best practice guidelines for cardiac catheterisation laboratories. A total of 65 participants, including cath lab directors, interventional cardiologists, managers, nurses and technologists from 31 labs of 14 districts attended the training, which was aimed at orientation of the professionals working in the cardiac cath labs about Standards and best-practice guidelines and their impact on quality of care patient safety. Detailed compliance requirements and assessment aspects of each standard were presented in an interactive manner encouraging discussions and seeking feedback of participants.
In the opening session, Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz highlighted the importance of quality deliverables in the cardiac cath labs, especially regarding credentialing of operators, quality equipment and infrastructure. He emphasised that professional attitude, ethical conduct and compliance of the best practices were important to ensure patient safety and build the trust of the patients and the public through ensuring the quality of healthcare at all levels of service delivery. The training team, comprising Director Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards (CG&OS) PHC Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, Additional Director (Trainings) Dr Majed Latif and Deputy Director (Standards Development and Dissemination) Dr Imtiaz Ali conducted the successive training sessions, while Assistant Director CG&OS Farooq Hasan coordinated the event. The training team discussed at length the roles of cath lab Directors, operators, and other staff, as well as credentialing requirements for the provision of such services while remaining within their legal scope and in accordance with the ethical guidelines.
The participants thanked the PHC for organising such an informative training event on an important subject. The participants added that such training sessions on healthcare regulatory regime especially regarding the high tech and lifesaving services and implementing the specific set of standards, will not only ensure patient safety, but will also be instrumental for the safety of healthcare service providers.