KARACHI: Recognising the pressing need for a comprehensive regulatory framework for allied healthcare services, the Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has pledged support to the federal health ministry in the development of tailored regulatory councils specifically designed for the purpose.
The pledge was necessitated by the fact that professionals in allied healthcare, such as aestheticians, physiotherapists, optometrists, chiropractors, speech therapists, nutritionists, behavioral/psychological counselors, and others, have been operating without a structured regulatory system, giving rise to concerns regarding patient safety and the quality of care provided.
SHCC Board Chairperson Dr Khalid Shaikh, reiterated the commission’s commitment to healthcare excellence during the 59th meeting of the Board in Karachi.
Dr Shaikh also shared SHCC's plans to enhance collaboration with the Sindh health department, with the aim of expediting the registration process for all public healthcare facilities.
The commission, he said, intends to establish robust mechanisms to assist government health facilities in enhancing the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.
The meeting was attended by other Board members, including Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Dr Mirza Ali Azhar, Prof Sameer Qureshi, Prof Shoaib Gangat, Dr Sajjad Siddiqui, and Syed Ghulam Rasool Shah.
Dr Mirza Ali Azhar expressed optimism about the reactivation of the Board after a 15-month hiatus, foreseeing their unwavering dedication and visionary approach as significant contributors to the future operations and success of SHCC.
Dr Shoro emphasised the role of board members in upholding the highest healthcare standards and ensuring community well-being.
The meeting also featured a comprehensive presentation by CEO SHCC, Dr Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, shedding light on the scope, progress, and challenges faced by the commission.
Dr Siddiqi sought the strategic guidance of the Board to further enhance the quality of healthcare services in Sindh.
The SHCC directors also attended the meeting and shared their insights with the Board regarding commission’s operations. The SHCC team demonstrated their readiness to lead the way in transforming healthcare regulation, committed to improving the health of the people and elevating the quality of healthcare in the province.
