Health regulations: NIH undergoes transformation

CDA instructed to allot land to council for construction of head office

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and coordination was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Dr Hafeezur Rehman Khan Darishak, MNA. The committee during its visit to National Institute of Health praised the initiative taken by Dr Ikram for completely transforming the institute as per international standards. Speaking on the occasion Federal Minister Saira Afzal Tarar informed the committee that with intensive efforts they have completely turned around National Institute of Health.

The Committee recommended that Capital Development Authority (CDA) allot land to the council for constructing the head office in Islamabad. Furthermore, the committee took a briefing on performance of National Council for Tibb and showed satisfaction on the progress of the council.



The Standing Committee went round various sections of the National Institute of Health and were later given a comprehensive briefing by National Institute of Health its Executive Director Prof Dr Aamer Ikram.

Members of the Standing Committee acknowledged the work undertaken in different areas in the NIH.

Earlier Dr Ikram gave a detailed briefing on the transformation of NIH. He said the institute has been designated as National Public Health Institute.

He stated that NIH is a national asset and has enormous potential. We have rejuvenated the team and welcomed top class 148 young scientists and other professionals on merit. The transformation of NIH will contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serve the country, he added.

He further stated as a way to celebrate its golden jubilee year, they have changed NIH’s outlook completely. The institute was undertaking successful implementation of five years road map of International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Agenda along with implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance & Response System (IDSRS) in the country.

The following things are on NIH’s master plan. He said the “One Health” concept is being implemented. Points of Entries (POEs) are being strengthened to stop the spread of diseases across borders. Allergy Centre plan has been prepared. The health park concept has been developed.



He added that truly world class Emergency Operations Centre has been established. Information Technology Hub has been created to cater to the public health surveillance of the country. Fiscal discipline has been upgraded and debts worth Rs80 million have been cleared.

With regard to pension Chartered Accountant and Actuary has been hired.  Public Health Act has been drafted catering to the latest needs of Global Health Security Agenda and Integrated Disease Surveillance & Response System. National Laboratory Policy, National Biosafety Policy and Case Definition Book have been developed Priority List of Notifiable Disease has been developed for the first time. Integrated Vector Borne Control plan has been drafted. Pandemic Preparedness Plan is being finalised. Dengue Prevention and Control Policy has been developed.

MOUs have been signed with NARC, GCISC, Academia, and others. Grant for modernised Warehouse is in process as well as UAE grant for establishing new virology laboratory. Collaboration boosted with all partners, JICA $3.2 million for new equipment for virology laboratory. Health and Human Services has given $500,000 for Drug Division, IT Grant through has been provided through CDC, WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases,  Pandemic Preparedness Plan ready for World Bank.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2018.