The Ministry of National Health Services is considering introducing a new Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority (IHRA) Ordinance to improve healthcare regulation in the federal capital, according to reports on Monday.
According to the reports, the ministry has started working on the proposed ordinance. It is also reviewing the Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority Act and plans to make changes to the existing law.
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to update the legal framework of the IHRA and improve the authority’s governance and overall working system.
The move comes amid reported differences between the Ministry of Health and the IHRA Board over the appointment of the authority’s chief executive officer (CEO).
According to the report, the ministry extended Dr Zaeem’s temporary appointment as acting CEO for a third time on July 27.
However, the IHRA Board did not hand over the acting charge to him and instead appointed Dr Rataba as acting CEO.
The reported disagreement has raised questions about the authority’s leadership. However, neither the Ministry of Health nor the IHRA has issued an official statement on the proposed legal changes or the CEO appointment.
New hiring system approved for doctors
The Punjab government has recently approved a new system to recruit doctors and medical specialists for healthcare facilities across the province.
Under the new system, special selection committees will recruit doctors and specialists for newly established health centres.
All BS-17 and above medical posts will be filled through these committees. Officials said the new process will help ensure fair and merit-based appointments.
The government has also approved a new process for hiring doctors and specialists on a contract basis for new health centres.
Doctors will only be appointed after they are recommended by the selection committees.
According to the policy, the Executive Director, Principal or Head of the relevant institution will lead each selection committee.
The committees will also include commissioners, senior professors and experienced government officials to help ensure a fair recruitment process.