Punjab Healthcare Commission - PHC

پولیو کا عالمی دن

اکتوبر 24

ہم سب ملکربہتری لاسکتے ہیں!

یہ دن پولیو ویکسینیشن کے بارے میں آگاہی بڑھانے کے لیے منایا جاتا ہے تاکہ ہر بچے کو اس بیماری سے بچایا جا سکے اور ان تمام لوگوں کو سراہا جا سکے،جنہوں نے پولیو کے خاتمہ کے لیے کوششیں کیں۔

آئیے!پولیو کے خاتمہ کی کاوشوں کو سراہیں۔ یہ ایک جان لیوا بیماری ہے جو پولیو وائرس کی وجہ سے ہوتی ہے، جسے عالمی ادارہ صحت نے 1988ء میں ختم کرنے کا عزم کیا تھا۔

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World Polio Day
24 October

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NIH Advisory on Chikungunya Viral Infection

PHC holds courses on fundamentals of healthcare quality assurance

In pursuance to the memorandum of understanding signed with the University of Lahore (UOL) for collaboration in promoting the importance of high-quality healthcare, the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) organised a one-month certificate course on the minimum service delivery standards (MSDS) and the fundamentals of the healthcare regulatory framework.
The first day of the course consisted of five contact sessions, covering the importance of regulating healthcare systems, the conceptual framework of quality and patient safety, and a detailed elaboration of various aspects of the MSDS. These sessions were conducted at the University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD). A total of 27 participants, working in senior management and clinical positions at renowned hospitals from various districts including Faisalabad, Gujrat, Toba Tek Singh, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Chiniot, attended the course.
Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz, during the inaugural session, emphasised the importance of continuous quality improvement (CQI). He explained how the MSDS implementation could help hospitals achieve excellence in healthcare. “The CQI in hospitals is a systematic approach, aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and operational efficiency,” he added. Associate Dean UCD Prof Dr Sikandar Afzal commended the Commission for its efforts in enforcing the regulatory mandate to improve the quality of healthcare services across all healthcare establishments in Punjab. He also underscored the significance of introducing the certificate course and its relevance in ensuring patient safety. Medical Superintendent University of Lahore Teaching Hospital Dr Zahid Pervaiz shared his experience regarding the implementation of MSDS.
Director Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards PHC Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Salariya informed the participants about the national and international healthcare regulatory landscape. While presenting the core concepts of patient safety and quality in healthcare, he explained the jurisdiction, mandate, and regulatory framework enforced by the PHC. He elaborated on the development and enforcement process of the MSDS and explained the ten functional areas covering the domains of patient care and organisational management. He highlighted how these areas converged to improve the quality of care and achieve the International Patient Safety Goals. Additionally, he shared the PHC’s accomplishments and acknowledgements and its role in supporting other provincial healthcare commissions.
In the second technical session, Additional Director (Trainings) PHC Dr Majed Latif provided a detailed explanation of the functional areas of access, assessment and continuity of care, offering insights into Standards and indicators from both treatment and inspection perspectives. Director CHPL Dr Saima Chaudhry and Assistant Director (Standards Development and Dissemination) PHC Dr Nadia Rasheed coordinated the training course.

International Infection Prevention and Control Week
October 13 - 19

PHC’s MSDS and Infection Prevention & Control

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Heartsaver Awareness Month

International Infection Prevention Week
October 13 – 19

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پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن کے وضع کردہ ایم ایس ڈی ایس سرٹیفائیڈطبیب کورس کا حصہ بنیں۔ اس آن لائن کورس میں شامل ہو کر مطب میں قانون کے مطابق پریکٹس کرنے کے بارے مکمل آگاہی حاصل کریں۔ اس کے علاوہ پی ایچ سی سے مطب رجسٹرر کروانے اور لائسنس حاصل کرنے یا رینول کے طریقہ کار کے بارے میں مکمل رہنمائی حاصل کریں۔
کورس میں شامل ہونے کی آخری تاریخ: 25 اکتوبر 2024
کورس میں رجسٹریشن کے لیے اِس لنک پر کلک کریں۔
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-certificate?category=online-certificate

Join us for breast cancer awareness month
October 2024

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PHC holds consultation to finalise guidelines for safe injection practices

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) held a consultative meeting with prominent experts and representatives of the health department, including senior faculty members from the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS), representatives from the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), World Health Organisation (WHO), Directorate General Nursing (DGN), Punjab Medical Faculty (PMF), and Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP).
Guidelines for safe injection practices have been developed to help healthcare providers administer injectable medication while maintaining optimum patient safety standards. These provide healthcare providers with guidance on the rational use of injectable drugs, procedural precautions, medication safety, selecting safe anatomical sites for injection, infection prevention, waste management and counselling of patients.
While presenting an outline of the guidelines, Director Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards Dr Mushtaq Ahmed apprised the participants of the burden of disease and the associated cost of unnecessary and unsafe injection practices in Pakistan. While quoting the available data and referring to the global perspective, he informed that Pakistan had the highest rate of per capita injections administered annually as well as the largest number of individuals infected by the hepatitis C virus. The meeting was also informed that there had also been a steady rise in reported cases of Acute Traumatic Neuritis (ATN) resulting from unsafe injection practices and wrong techniques. The WHO data also revealed that there had been a three-fold increase in the number of reported cases of ATN from 2012 to 2023.
The participants appreciated the PHC for its efforts towards developing guidelines for safe injection practices. There was consensus that training programmes and current curricula of healthcare providers needed to be reviewed to address gaps in knowledge and skills by incorporating the guidelines, which would promote optimum patient safety. The meeting emphasised the need to make collaborative efforts for raising public awareness and using behaviour-change communication to avoid unnecessary injections and promote safe injection practices.

World Sight Day 2024

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World Mental Health Day 2024

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Two-day training on MSDS for psychiatric and addiction treatment/rehabilitation facilities

The relevant HCEs and service providers can access information about the training programme, and join us by submitting an application after clicking on the following link.
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-apllication-training

پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن نے اطباء کا آن لائن کورس مکمل کروا دیا
پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن نے نیشنل کونسل برائے طب سے رجسٹرڈ اطباء/حکماء کے لیے دو ہفتے دورانیہ کے تیسرے آن لائن سرٹیفیکیٹ کورس کو مکمل کروا دیا۔ جس کے پہلا سیشن کا انعقاد 26 ستمبر جبکہ دوسرے کا 03 اکتوبر کو آن لائن کیا گیا۔ اس کورس کا مقصد نیشنل کونسل فار طب سے رجسٹرڈ معالجین کو کمیشن سے رجسٹریشن اور لائسنس حاصل کرنے کے طریقہ کار کے متعلق معلومات اور طب یونانی کے قوانین ، رولز اور طبی ضابطہ اخلاق کے بارے میں مکمل آگاہی فراہم کرناہے۔ آن لائن کورس میں کمیشن کے ایڈیشنل ڈائریکٹر ٹریننگ ڈاکٹر ماجد لطیف ، ڈپٹی ڈائریکٹر سٹینڈردز ڈویلپمنٹ ڈاکٹر امتیاز علی اور اسسٹنٹ ڈائریکٹر طب حکیم فاروق حسن نے کمیشن کے وضع کردہ خدمات کے کم از کم معیار برائے مطب سے متعلق تفصیل سے آگاہ کیا ۔شرکاء نے امید ظاہر کی کہ اس طرح کے کورسز میں شامل ہو کر طب یونانی کے معالجین مطب میں مریضوں کو محفوظ صحت کی سہولیات فراہم کرنے کے عمل کو یقینی بناسکیں گے۔
اس کورس میں شامل ہونے کے خواہاں اطباء/حکماء پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن کی ویب سائٹ کو وزٹ کریں یا مندرجہ ذیل لنک پر کلک کریں۔
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-certificate -certificate

One-month certificate programme on Minimum Service Delivery Standards - Fundamentals of the Healthcare Regulatory Framework

You can apply at https://chpl.uol.edu.pk/one-month-certificate

Registration Open!

Venue: University of Lahore

Last date to apply: 7th October, 2024

World Heart Day 2024

PHC enhances dengue preparedness of GPs

In a proactive effort to combat dengue fever and enhance healthcare delivery, the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) conducted orientation sessions for general practitioners (GPs) in the Kahuta and Kallar Syedan tehsils of the Rawalpindi division. These sessions witnessed a large participation of healthcare professionals.
Deputy Director (Operations) PHC Dr Rafiq Ahmad welcomed the attendees and introduced the PHC team, which included DD (Inspections) Dr Humayun Anwar, programme officers Muhammad Siddique and Zaman Rasheed. The sessions commenced with an overview of PHC’s objectives, particularly the important role of GPs in the early detection and management of dengue fever. “The Commission is dedicated to improving healthcare standards across the province, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle prevailing health challenges effectively,” said Dr Rafiq Ahmad.
Participants were briefed on the Dengue GP App, a technological tool designed to streamline case reporting and management. The importance of downloading and registering on this App was highlighted, along with the necessity for the GPs to upload case data to the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Dashboard. This digital integration is pivotal in ensuring prompt and accurate data sharing, which is crucial for effective public health responses.
An emphasis was laid on the timely referral of dengue patients to tertiary care hospitals. This step is essential for providing specialised care and avoiding complications. The GPs were sensitised to the potential legal implications of delayed referrals and were encouraged to adhere strictly to treatment protocols.
The sessions featured recorded presentations of Divisional Coordinator Dengue Expert Advisory Group (DEAG) Dr Khurram, and General Secretary DEAG Dr Somia Iqtadar, who provided a detailed overview of the diagnosis, reporting, referral, and treatment of dengue fever. Following the presentation, question-answer segments allowed participants to engage directly with the experts, clarifying doubts about case reporting and treatment protocols.
Dr Humayun Anwar concluded the sessions by expressing gratitude to all participants and guests for their active involvement and commitment to enhancing dengue management in the region.

A directive regarding mandatory reporting of dengue cases by the healthcare establishments of Punjab

PHC seminar for GPs on dengue awareness

Experts emphasise importance of reporting, management of dengue patients

To reduce complications and fatalities associated with dengue, it is vital to ensure prompt reporting of dengue patients and to raise awareness about the illness, accurate diagnosis, safe treatment, and follow-up care.
This was highlighted by speakers at a seminar organised by the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), arranged here on Thursday to educate family physicians and general practitioners about the reporting and initial management of dengue patients. Numerous medical experts, including physicians involved in dengue treatment, along with members from the district administration and health department, attended the event, which was presided over by team lead of the Dengue Expert Advisory Group (DEAG) Multan Prof Arif Mahmood Bhatti. Director PHC Asif Habib, Additional Director PHC Dr Khalid Razzaq, Programme Director DHDC Dr Rao Mehtab, Deputy Director PHC Dr Shafiq-ur-Rehman, member DEAG Multan Dr Nusrat Buzdar, District Coordinator for the Epidemic and Control Programme Dr Atta ur Rehman, focal person Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Jawad Ahmed and others were also present on the occasion.
In his welcome remarks, Director Inspections PHC Dr Shafqat Ijaz outlined various initiatives and measures taken by the Commission to raise awareness and provide training to medical professionals. He also discussed timely directives issued to healthcare establishments for making arrangements and treatment of dengue patients. He also mentioned PHC’s efforts to implement standardised dengue testing rates in laboratories. He urged family physicians and private hospitals to report dengue cases promptly.
Prof Arif Mahmood highlighted the Group’s contributions to combating the dengue pandemic by enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers in Punjab. He provided attendees with an update on the dengue situation in the province, stressing that successful treatment relies on accurate diagnosis and management. He further stated that collaboration among healthcare providers is essential.
During the seminar, physicians were informed about how to upload details of dengue patients onto the PITB portal. The speakers focused on the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely treatment for dengue patients, emphasising prevention and the government’s proactive role in eliminating dengue breeding sites. They noted that dengue was a global issue requiring effective solutions to control its spread and safeguard the public from its potentially fatal consequences.

PHC organises dengue training for family physicians in Rawalpindi

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) held an important sensitisation and training session for the family physicians and other healthcare professionals at Rawalpindi Medical University.
The training was primarily aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to accurately report dengue cases on the designated dashboard. Also, they were provided comprehensive information on the prevention and management of dengue, empowering staff to educate patients effectively. Moreover, the participants discussed the importance of timely referrals and establishing a streamlined process for managing dengue cases.
The training session drew 64 participants and featured addresses from speakers, including Vice-Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University Prof Muhammad Umar, Prof Muhammad Khurram and Prof Mujeeb Khan. The speakers were of the view that the training was vital for improving the collective response to dengue and safeguarding the health of the patients. “Together, we can make a significant impact in managing this public health challenge,” they observed. They delivered specialised trainings tailored for general practitioners, while a representative from the Punjab Information Technology Board provided orientation on the GP App and reporting procedures. Additional Director PHC Dr Farooq Adeel summarised the key take-home messages from the session, which also included downloading the GP dengue mobile app, and ensuring correct and timely reporting of the dengue patients.
In recent weeks, the Rawalpindi District has witnessed a troubling increase in dengue cases, resulting in five reported fatalities attributed to this outbreak. Investigations have indicated that these unfortunate incidents were linked to delayed referrals and inadequate adherence to established reporting protocols. It is imperative that healthcare providers take proactive measures to enhance our response to this public health crisis.

Lets take a moment to appreciate dedicated pharmacists, who document and monitor Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) for ensuring patient safety.
With their efforts, the National ADR data from Pakistan is submitted to the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring, which helps in generation of medicine alerts and updation of medicines safety information globally.
The Punjab Healthcare Commission acknowledges the role of pharmacists in the safe use of medicines and encourages their availability in HCEs for ensuring safe use of medicines.
Related links:
1. National Pharmacovigilance Centre https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/pk/adr
2. Provincial Medicines Surveillance System https://mss.pshealthpunjab.gov.pk/
3. PHC’s post on World Pharmacists Day 2023 focusing on medicines labelling https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3qWt6aUPQbPV3Bqw/

If you are a pharmacist or have been part of the ADR reporting, kindly leave a comment.

پنجاب ہیلتھ کیئر کمیشن کے وضع کردہ ایم ایس ڈی ایس سرٹیفائیڈہومیوپیتھک پریکٹیشنرززکورس کا حصہ بنیں۔ اس آن لائن کورس میں شامل ہو کر ہو میوپیتھک کلینک میں قانون کے مطابق پریکٹس کرنے کے بارے مکمل آگاہی حاصل کریں۔ اس کے علاوہ پی ایچ سی سے ہومیوپیتھک کلینک رجسٹرر کروانے اور لائسنس حاصل کرنے کے طریقہ کار کے بارے میں مکمل رہنمائی حاصل کریں۔
کورس میں شامل ہونے کی آخری تاریخ: 04 اکتوبر 2024
کورس میں رجسٹریشن کے لیے اِس لنک پر کلک کریں۔
https://www.phc.org.pk/ #/cg/online-certificate?category=online-certificate

PHC’s seminar on ‘Dengue preparedness and management’
Early diagnosis, treatment can ward off complications too, experts

LAHORE – Correct diagnosis, timely treatment and continuous follow-up care are crucial in preventing fatalities and complications of dengue patients, while awareness about the disease, like the one carried out by the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), can go a long way in combating dengue.
Speakers observed this at the ‘Dengue Preparedness and Management’ seminar organised by the PHC. The event, chaired by Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz, was attended by a large number of health professionals, dengue-treating medics from both public and private healthcare establishments, representatives of the health departments and district administration. The participants included eminent physicians, senior officials from the health departments, vice-chancellors of medical universities, principals of medical colleges, Medical Superintendents of public and private hospitals, representatives of the Pakistan Medical Association and Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians, senior officers of the district administration, first-line clinicians, nurses, and others.
In his welcome note, Dr Saqib Aziz emphasised the significance of quality treatment and awareness regarding dengue in his welcome address. He urged stakeholders, health professionals, and district administrations to engage in awareness campaigns and preventive measures, highlighting dengue as a complex challenge requiring a multifaceted approach. He noted the increasing dengue cases in Punjab and the impact of climate change on its spread, while the seminar was to sensitise the healthcare service providers for enhancing their preparedness. He stressed the role of family physicians as the first line of defence and called for better coordination among health entities. He also encouraged private healthcare to report dengue cases promptly and underscored the importance of public awareness and ongoing education.
Chairperson of the Dengue Expert Advisory Group (DEAG) Prof Muhammad Imran Hasan Khan highlighted the role of the Group in combating the dengue epidemic through capacity-building of the healthcare service providers across Punjab. He informed the participants about the situation of dengue in the province, and steps taken to address the issue related to the disease. He emphasised that the right diagnosis and management as the keys to successful treatment of the cases. He also elaborated that teamwork among healthcare service providers could be the main direction.
Head of the Medicine Department at Allama Iqbal Medical College Prof Tanvir-us-Salam, as the keynote speaker, focused on the accurate diagnosis and management of dengue. He dispelled common misconceptions about the disease and its treatment, providing clarity to healthcare professionals. He emphasised the importance of prevention and an active role of government in eliminating dengue breeding sites by clearing water sites, arranging public awareness seminars, social and electronic media campaigns, economising rates for dengue diagnostic lab tests and the role of healthcare service providers in saving lives of the dengue patients. He said that dengue was a worldwide issue and needed effective strategies to overcome the threat and prevent the masses from its life-threatening effects. He said the disease was prevalent worldwide, affecting people in millions annually, while the highest cases 3.5 million were in Brazil. He was of the opinion that people would have to live with it and only by effective preventive measures, its spread could be controlled. He also emphasised the right use of mosquito repellents and mostly covering the exposed body parts as an effective preventive strategy.

Join Now!
Seminar on "Dengue Preparedness and Management" by the Punjab Healthcare Commission on 19th September 2024
Please join the YouTube live stream on https://www.youtube.com/live/wlIoRsBDaww?feature=shared