IHRA seals 2 healthcare establishments, suspends 2

ISLAMABAD: Taking cognizance of grave irregularities in the healthcare sector, the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has recently sealed two healthcare establishments in the federal capital while services of two others have been suspended, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Quaid Saeed.

“The IHRA has sealed two more healthcare establishments and suspended the services of two others for violating the relevant laws”, Dr Saeed said, adding that their teams conducted 58 inspections across various sectors and areas of Islamabad. The inspections uncovered serious irregularities at several healthcare establishments, leading to stringent measures including the sealing of two facilities and the suspension of services at two others.

The sealed healthcare establishments were found to be operating in violation of multiple regulatory standards. Among the offenses were the failure to register with the IHRA, maintaining unhygienic conditions, lack of proper waste management systems, use of expired reagents and employing unqualified staff to provide medical services. The severity of these violations necessitated immediate action to protect public health and safety.

In addition to sealing the two clinics, the IHRA also suspended the services of two other healthcare establishments. These suspensions were due to various forms of medical noncompliance, underscoring the IHRA’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare providers adhere to established standards of care.

The IHRA served notices on 29 healthcare establishments for minor non-compliances, instructing them to take immediate corrective measures as directed by the inspectors. These notices are part of the IHRA’s broader strategy to improve healthcare standards through regular monitoring and enforcement.

On the other hand, three healthcare establishments were recommended for registration following the inspections. This step indicates that these facilities met the regulatory requirements and standards set by the IHRA, reflecting their commitment to providing quality healthcare services, Dr Saeed said.

“Our recent actions are part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor healthcare establishments in Islamabad. The authority aims to ensure that all healthcare providers maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety and professionalism,” Dr Saeed said, adding that by conducting regular inspections and taking decisive action against non-compliant establishments, the IHRA sought to protect patients and improved the overall quality of healthcare services in the region. He maintained that the IHRA had a history of rigorous enforcement to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. In previous months, the authority has conducted similar inspections, leading to the closure of several non-compliant facilities and the suspension of services at others.

“These actions are part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that healthcare providers operate within the legal and ethical boundaries set by the IHRA”, he said, adding that the authority’s proactive approach included educating healthcare providers about the importance of compliance, conducting workshops and training sessions, and providing guidance on best practices.

The IHRA efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness about regulatory requirements and encouraging healthcare establishments to prioritize patient safety and quality care.

By addressing grave irregularities and ensuring compliance, the IHRA plays a crucial role in protecting public health and enhancing the quality of medical services in the region. As the IHRA continues its regulatory activities, it is expected that more healthcare establishments will align with the required standards, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader community.