Categories National

ILO, IHRA to Launch Revised MSDS for Healthcare Worker Safety and Patient Care in ICT

ISLAMABAD – In a significant move to strengthen healthcare, International Labour Organization (ILO) and Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) have partnered to launch a set of revised Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) for health facilities in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). These new standards aim to enhance protection for healthcare workers while simultaneously improving patient care.

The new standards, introduced under the ILO–Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)–World Health Organization (WHO) Working for Health Programme, align with key international labor conventions. They provide hospitals with clear, practical guidance on improving workplace safety, the quality of care, and overall working conditions. The updated MSDS introduce systematic risk assessments, protections against violence and harassment—particularly for female staff – and better working conditions aimed at retaining skilled health professionals.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services, emphasized the importance of the new standards. “Infection prevention and control – tackling hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance – must be top priorities,” he said. “The Ministry will stand squarely behind IHRA to register and license facilities, end unsafe practices, and make Islamabad a model healthy city for all.”

Khudayar Mohla, Islamabad, healthcare, International Labour Organization, Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority, Minimum Service Delivery Standards, health facilities, Islamabad Capital Territory, patient care, healthcare workers, workplace safety, OECD, WHO, labor conventions, hospitals, quality of care, working conditions, risk assessments, violence prevention, harassment protection, female staff, infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections, skilled health professionals, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Ministry of National Health Services, IHRA registration, licensing facilities, Geir Tonstol, ILO Pakistan, safety at work, dignity, social dialogue, Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua, regulation, partnership, credible standards, reliable standards, fair healthcare, Punjab model, safer healthcare, fairer healthcare, compliance, technical assistance, capacity buildingGeir Tonstol, Country Director for ILO Pakistan, highlighted the fundamental right to safety at work. “With the revised MSDS, we are placing workplace safety, dignity, andKhudayar Mohla, Islamabad, healthcare, International Labour Organization, Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority, Minimum Service Delivery Standards, health facilities, Islamabad Capital Territory, patient care, healthcare workers, workplace safety, OECD, WHO, labor conventions, hospitals, quality of care, working conditions, risk assessments, violence prevention, harassment protection, female staff, infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections, skilled health professionals, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Ministry of National Health Services, IHRA registration, licensing facilities, Geir Tonstol, ILO Pakistan, safety at work, dignity, social dialogue, Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua, regulation, partnership, credible standards, reliable standards, fair healthcare, Punjab model, safer healthcare, fairer healthcare, compliance, technical assistance, capacity building social dialogue at the heart of health service delivery – because a healthcare system can only thrive when it protects both its patients and its workers,” he stated. IHRA Chairman Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to collaboration. “Regulation is about partnership, facilitation, and building a health system where standards are credible, reliable, and fair for all,” he said, noting the shift from a “policing role” to one of engagement and support.  The new standards will be rolled out immediately in hospitals and clinics across the ICT, with plans to replicate the model in Punjab to foster safer and fairer healthcare throughout the country. The initiative has received a joint commitment from government ministries, IHRA, and the ILO to ensure its successful implementation, with IHRA overseeing compliance and the ILO providing ongoing technical assistance and capacity building.

 

Author

Avatar photo

Associated with The Law Today Pakistan (TLTP) News Wire Service as News Correspondent since 2020. He can be reached at asifmahmood@lawtoday.com.pk

More From Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), National Assembly Standing Committee, flood relief, humanitarian efforts, aid, Dr. Zeeshan Danish, Meer Ghulam Ali Talpur, Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt, increased funding, cooked meals, rescue operations, ration bags, healthcare, education, cancer patients, disadvantaged students, transparency, needy and poor, Pakistan.

NA Panel Hails PBM’s Extensive Humanitarian Response to Flood Crisis

ISLAMABAD – The Standing Committee of National Assembly has lauded Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) for its…

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, child marriage ban, uniform national law, Islamic principles, Sharia, minimum marriage age, Sindh law 2013, National Assembly bill, Darul Aman shelters, psychological trauma, JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman, protest, Quran and Sunnah.

Child Marriage Ban Aligns with Sharia,Tarar

ISLAMABAD – Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has strongly advocated for a uniform, nationwide…

Punjab police crackdown, TLP protests, Lahore, Section 144 Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, Dr Usman Anwar, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, Fourth Schedule, Anti-Terrorism Act, Azma Bokhari, violent protests, Data Darbar Lahore, Muridke crackdown, Punjab Home Department, Safe City cameras, AI-based tracking, ATCs trials, extremist party ban, Punjab Auqaf Department, hate speech arrests, Dawn News report

Punjab Urges Center to Outlaw TLP Following Violent Protests

LAHORE – Police are planning a crackdown to round up the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leadership…