PHC, IPH hold orientation session to strengthen nursing standards and patient safety

LAHORE, Jul 10 (APP): The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health (IPH), on Friday organised an orientation session for the Post-Graduate College of Nursing on the regulatory framework, Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) and the vital role of nurses in ensuring patient safety.

Held at the IPH, the session was part of PHC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals through advocacy and orientation programmes focused on regulatory compliance, quality assurance and patient safety. More than 100 participants, including nursing faculty, professionals and students, attended the event.

Dean IPH Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in strengthening the healthcare system and stressed the need for sustained efforts to overcome the shortage of nursing professionals, improve working conditions and invest in their professional development to ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality healthcare services.

Addressing the participants, PHC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz said nurses are at the forefront of patient care and play a critical role in preventing medical errors, reducing healthcare-associated infections and lowering patient morbidity and mortality. He said the consistent delivery of quality healthcare improves patient outcomes and enhances public trust in healthcare institutions.

Referring to examples of substandard practices despite existing regulations, Dr. Aziz stressed the need to strengthen accountability and promote a culture of responsibility to improve patient safety and healthcare quality. He encouraged nurses to pursue continuous learning, maintain professional excellence and embrace shared responsibility, adding that sustained improvements in healthcare standards benefit patients, healthcare professionals and the wider community. He also responded to participants’ questions during an interactive session.

Earlier, PHC Director Clinical Governance Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed delivered a presentation on the Commission’s regulatory framework, outlining its legislative mandate, regulatory responsibilities, licensing criteria, Minimum Service Delivery Standards and quality assurance mechanisms aimed at improving healthcare service delivery. He particularly emphasised the central role of nurses in implementing MSDS and promoting patient safety through compliance with regulatory standards.

Principal of the Post-Graduate College of Nursing Razia Shafique appreciated the continued collaboration between PHC and IPH in strengthening nursing education and professional development. She acknowledged the Commission’s efforts to promote regulatory awareness, patient safety and quality healthcare practices among nursing professionals and students through its advocacy initiatives.