In a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in the capital, the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority discussed an IHRA collaboration with Mercy Corps Pakistan to enhance disease surveillance and patient pathways for tuberculosis. The session, led by Dr. Muhammad Zaeem Zia, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, brought together Mercy Corps Pakistan Country Director Arif Jabbar Khan, Program Director Adeel Tahir and Communication Specialist Mamtaz Gohar to align on coordinated actions.
Participants examined measures to reinforce regulatory coordination so that missing TB cases are more readily identified and notified, and private healthcare providers are better linked to designated TB treatment facilities. Emphasis was placed on improving timely diagnosis, strengthening case reporting systems and ensuring patients can access quality treatment without delay.
Dr. Zia underlined the Authority’s commitment to joint awareness initiatives to improve public understanding of TB, promote early diagnosis and support strict adherence to treatment protocols. The meeting highlighted practical steps to enhance collaboration between public regulators, non-governmental partners and private practitioners to close gaps in the care cascade.
By prioritising shared surveillance mechanisms and referral linkages, the IHRA collaboration with Mercy Corps Pakistan aims to make Islamabad’s healthcare response more responsive, accountable and accessible. Ongoing coordination is expected to accelerate case detection, improve reporting accuracy and expand treatment access for patients across the city.
