ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP):World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Services Academy (HSA) have convened an expert consultation to finalize a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) competency framework for nursing, midwifery, public health and pharmacy graduates.
Held at HSA, the consultation focused on preparing health professionals to provide quality, equitable, person-centred and rights-based care while upholding confidentiality, informed decision-making, dignity and ethical standards.
The expert panel was headed by Dr Samina Naeem Khalid, who facilitated discussions on strengthening the framework and ensuring its relevance to Pakistan’s healthcare and education systems.
The consultation brought together experts from medical universities, healthcare institutions and development organisations, including Prof. Dr Syeda Batool Mazhar, Prof. Dr Naila Azam, Ms Ayesha Salma of Ipas, Dr Batool Ali of Jhpiego, Dr Saima Zubair, Prof. Dr Khola Noreen, Prof. Dr Sajida Naseem, Prof. Dr Muhammad Tahir Aqeel and nursing and midwifery representatives.
Participants reviewed proposed revisions, discussed interprofessional collaboration and referral pathways, and identified outstanding technical issues requiring further consideration.
The consultation also outlined the next steps for technical validation, formal endorsement and integration of the framework into pre-service education.
The initiative aims to establish a practical, nationally relevant framework that defines both shared competencies and the distinct professional responsibilities of nursing, midwifery, public health and pharmacy graduates.
The framework is expected to contribute to strengthening health professions education and preparing a competent, ethical and collaborative healthcare workforce to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in Pakistan.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
