Indus Vitals

Limited compliance, staffing gaps, and overlapping authority impede effective regulation By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: Despite a decade-old mandate to regulate all healthcare providers, the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has been struggling to bring public-sector hospitals and clinics into its licensing net — largely due to delayed administrative buy-in from the Sindh Health Department, a situation that has lately come to light. The Commission, an autonomous body established under the Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 2013, is tasked with strengthening healthcare quality, safety, and accountability across the province. The law and its accompanying rules envisage that SHCC will ensure minimum service delivery standards and patient-centred care in both public and private sectors. However, observers say the Commission continues to face persistent challenges in securing compliance from healthcare providers across the board. Registration and licensing are legally mandatory for all he...

SHCC's effectiveness compromised due to vacant positions in Board of Commissioners, hindering healthcare regulation and decision-making By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: Years after its inception under Sindh government legislation, the provincial healthcare watchdog continues to face challenges, with its board of commissioners currently operating with two vacant positions, including a representative nominated by the Chief Minister, it has emerged. A source in the health circles emphasised that the existing Board of Commissioners (BoC) of the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), which started functioning with an incomplete composition in September 2023, is still working with a “limited wisdom.” The board is meeting routinely for agenda matters and policy decisions, pending nominations of two replacement members, the source noted. The SHCC had previously functioned without a BoC for about one and a half years, hindering major advancements by the statutory autonomous body. The interim provi...

KARACHI: Karwan-e-Hayat (KH), a veteran psychiatric services facility, secured a regular license from the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) at a ceremony at its Keamari, Karachi, premises on September 20. A press release said that the healthcare facility was first in its category to be licenced in the province. “The SHCC license is a testament to Karwan-e-Hayat’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and patient-centered care.” SHCC had granted a provisional licence to KH about five years back. Over the past few years, the organisation has worked tirelessly to address operational gaps and meet regulatory standards, all while continuing to provide vital mental health services to thousands of patients, the press release further added. Official sources said that the SHCC recognition confirmed that the institution has met all medical, operational, and compliance standards required by the regulatory authority. Arshad Rahim Khan, CEO of Karwan-e-Hayat told the attendants...