The National Institute of Kidney and Urological Diseases (NIKUD) Karachi has been awarded the regular licence from the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare.
A ceremony was held at the NIKUD on Friday to celebrate the achievement. It was attended by key figures from both the NIKUD and SHCC.
Dr Najiya Khan, director of medical services at the NIKUD, opened the event with gratitude to the SHCC team, particularly acknowledging the guidance of Deputy Directors Dr Kulsoom Nargis and Dr Mansoor Bhutto. Their support, she said, was crucial in helping the NIKUD meet stringent standards required for full licence.
Dr Altaf Hussain Khawaja, director of licensing and accreditation at the SHCC, was also present at the event. He spoke on the commission’s commitment to raising healthcare standards in Sindh. He said the SHCC’s mission was to ensure compassionate and high-quality medical services across the province and the NIKUD’s recent achievement was a testament to this drive.
In her address, NIKUD Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Sakina B Naqvi highlighted the significance of receiving the SHCC licence. “This certification validates our commitment to patient safety, high standards of healthcare delivery, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in medical protocols and facility management. It’s not just a recognition of our past achievements but a commitment to continually improving our services in line with national and international standards.”
The NIKUD operates under The Kidney Foundation and focuses on chronic disease prevention, clinical research and cost-effective healthcare services. SHCC CEO Ahson Qavi, who was not present at the event, had earlier commented on the healthcare licensing process across Sindh. He underscored that all healthcare institutions must be registered with the SHCC to ensure the delivery of safe and standardised services.
According to Qavi, 63 private healthcare facilities in Sindh had been granted full licences, with only three public sector institutions, including three dental facilities, managing to secure this status.
“The process of licensing is rigorous,” said the SHCC CEO. “Only those institutions that meet all the specified requirements are granted the SHCC licence. But acquiring this licence does not mean institutions are exempt from further scrutiny. We continue to monitor the performance of healthcare facilities, ensuring they maintain
the standards they were
licenced for.”