Shalamar Hospital was pleased to welcome esteemed faculty from the Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology Lahore (INMOL) for a collaborative meeting focused on strengthening surgical oncology services.  The event fostered insightful discussions centered on shared expertise, innovative solutions, and enhanced partnerships, all with the shared goal of improving patient care in oncology.  This collaboration marks a significant step forward in paving the way for advanced, collaborative approaches in the fight against cancer.

Young healthcare professionals inevitably face the death of a patient early in their careers, a moment that challenges both their emotional resilience. While some are deeply affected, others cope differently, yet all must navigate this reality and continue providing compassionate care. This poignant poem by final-year medical student Kashaf Naveed captures the emotional turmoil of losing a first patient, highlighting the balance between empathy and strength that defines the medical profession. Through vivid imagery and raw emotions, it pays tribute to the dedication of healthcare workers who persevere despite the weight of loss. Being a curer, I believed in my ability Keeping in mind, shouldn’t lose my humility Being guided by oath I swore to treat The patients who were desperately in need I walked in my ward for the first time Being bold and courageous, soft and kind Ailing patients on beds, with paling eyes Some were numbing, distressing and profound cries Still there was one with ventilator but eyes gleaming his hope, will and confidence not failing He held my hands enduringly with trust His milky face, hoping me to do what I must Applying all the wisdom and acumen I acquired the best ways of medication I tried But after some days, grimed with grief and sin I remember losing first patient of mine The moment of weakness I came across I was mourning over the terrible loss Fighting back my tears, I comforted his kins Innerly grief-stricken, I had been Tumbling and turning through impossible places Always moving on, but never forgetting their faces Staggered upon my feet, I did pause  a moment of weakness I came across Kashaf Naveed  Final Year MBBS

Quality and patient safety are at the heart of any healthcare organization’s mission. At Shalamar Hospital, we have always strived to enhance our processes, improve patient care, and ensure continuous quality improvement. Today, we proudly announce a major achievement: Shalamar Hospital has successfully obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification—a globally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS). Why ISO 9001:2015 Certification Matters in Healthcare ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally acclaimed standard that sets the criteria for a robust quality management system. It focuses on customer satisfaction, risk-based thinking, process optimization, and continual improvement. In a healthcare setting, this certification translates into structured processes, enhanced patient safety, and improved service delivery. For hospitals, ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures: ✔ Standardized quality management processes ✔ Increased efficiency and reduced errors ✔ Enhanced patient experience and satisfaction ✔ Stronger regulatory compliance  ✔ A culture of continuous improvement The Journey Towards ISO 9001:2015 Certification Achieving this certification was not an overnight success but a journey of dedication, collaboration, and perseverance. The process involved multiple phases, including: Gap Analysis & Planning: Assessing our existing processes against ISO 9001:2015 requirements and identifying areas for improvement. Process Standardization & Documentation: Implementing standardized policies and procedures for various departments, ensuring consistency in operations. Training & Awareness: Conducting training sessions for staff to enhance their understanding of quality management principles and their role in compliance. Internal Audits & Risk Management: Performing rigorous internal audits to identify gaps, mitigate risks, and address non-conformities. Management Review Meetings (MRMs): Engaging leadership in reviewing progress and making data-driven decisions. Stage 1 & Stage 2 Certification Audits: Undergoing extensive external audits by certification bodies to validate compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards. Overcoming Challenges Like any transformational journey, our path to ISO certification came with challenges. One of the major hurdles was embedding a culture of quality across diverse clinical and non-clinical departments. Resistance to change, ensuring documentation compliance, and aligning staff with quality objectives required continuous engagement and education. Through strong leadership commitment and teamwork, we overcame these obstacles, fostering a culture where quality is everyone’s responsibility. What This Means for Our Patients and Staff ISO 9001:2015 certification is more than just a recognition—it is a commitment to maintaining and exceeding quality standards in healthcare delivery. For our patients, this means: ✅ More streamlined and reliable processes  ✅ Safer healthcare practices  ✅ Improved patient satisfaction  ✅ Confidence in receiving high-quality care For our staff, this certification reinforces: ✅ A structured and efficient work environment  ✅ Clear guidelines and accountability Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth Looking Ahead: Continuous Quality Improvement While we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that the journey of quality improvement never ends. We remain committed to continuously enhancing our systems, embracing innovation, and adapting to evolving healthcare challenges. Our focus will remain on patient-centered care, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a culture of excellence. A Heartfelt Thank You This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our quality improvement team, leadership, healthcare professionals, and support staff. Every department played a crucial role in making this a reality. Your hard work and commitment to excellence have made this certification possible! As we move forward, we invite collaboration, learning, and shared best practices to uphold the highest quality standards in healthcare.