LAHORE:The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health (IPH), conducted an orientation session for the Post-Graduate College of Nursing on the regulatory framework, minimum service delivery standards (MSDS) and the role of nurses in patient safety.
The session was held at the IPH and formed part of PHC’s ongoing mandate to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals through regular advocacy and orientation programmes on regulatory compliance, quality assurance and patient safety.
More than 100 participants, including nursing faculty, professionals and studentsattended. IPH Dean Prof Dr Saira Afzal emphasised the pivotal role of nursing professionals in strengthening healthcare system. She highlighted the need for sustained efforts to address the shortage of nurses, improve working conditions and invest in professional development to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality healthcare services.
In his keynote address, PHC Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz underlined the indispensable role of nurses in the healthcare service delivery system. ‘Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and play a crucial role in preventing medical errors, reducing healthcare-associated infections and lowering patient morbidity and mortality,’ he said, while stressing that the consistent delivery of quality care enhances patient outcomes and strengthens public trust in healthcare institutions. Referring to real-life examples of substandard practices that persist despite existing regulations, he highlighted the need to further strengthen accountability and foster a culture of responsibility to improve patient safety and the quality of care. He encouraged nurses to embrace continuous learning, professional excellence and shared responsibility, noting that sustained improvements in healthcare quality ultimately benefit patients, healthcare professionals, their families and ultimately the community. He also replied the attendees’ questions during the interactive session.
Earlier, Director Clinical Governance PHC Dr Mushtaq Ahmed delivered a presentation on the PHC regulatory framework, outlining the Commission’s legislative mandate, regulatory responsibilities, MSDS requirements, licensing criteria and quality assurance mechanisms aimed at improving healthcare service delivery.
