Quetta, Secretary Health Balochistan Abdullah Khan met with Vice Chancellor Health Services Academy (HSA) University Islamabad Dr. Shehzad to discuss a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing health education and research in Balochistan. This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening the health sector in the region.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the meeting, which also included university faculty members and the Provincial EPI Coordinator Balochistan Dr. Kamalan Gachki, focused on establishing a joint project and cooperation between the Health Services Academy University Islamabad and the Department of Health Balochistan. The initiative involves associating Balochistan’s Health Department with HSA for research and publication, bolstering research and development in the health sector.

Plans are underway to strengthen and upgrade the Institute of Public Health (IPH) in Balochistan by opening an HSA Center of Excellence. This center will support communities in improving medicine and public health. Further steps include setting up HSA Centers of Excellence at Medical Colleges in Loralai, Khuzdar, and Turbat.

Another significant aspect of the collaboration is HSA’s assistance to the Balochistan Health Department in implementing infection prevention and control protocols in hospitals. The partnership will also focus on mental health care, an increasingly crucial area in healthcare.

Dr. Shahzad, Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy University Islamabad, affirmed that HSA would provide comprehensive support to enhance health education in Balochistan, with a special emphasis on research and development. This collaboration between the Balochistan Health Department and HSA is poised to bring significant improvements in the health sector of the province.