FHM Pakistan
Interviews

Interview with Mr Kashif Mustafa, CEO & Managing Director of OMI Hospital FHM Magazine Pakistan

1. Can you provide an overview of OMI Hospital, including its history, mission, and core values?

OMI Hospital has a rich legacy dating back to its establishment in 1984 by Professor A. Rahim, a revered figure in Pakistan’s medical community. Professor Rahim’s vision was to establish a private healthcare institution that would not only set new standards for excellence but also embody compassion in patient care.

In 2018, OMI Hospital entered an exciting new phase after the acquisition by the Lakson Private Equity Fund, a healthcare-dedicated private equity fund. This transaction supported OMI to advance its healthcare services, leading to significant enhancements in facilities and an expanded reach to better serve our communities.

Our vision is clear: “to deliver top-tier healthcare through integrated centres of excellence, adhering to best practices in clinical management while upholding ethical standards within a robust quality system.”

At OMI Hospital, our mission and core values are straightforward yet crucial. We are committed to providing efficient and cost-effective healthcare without compromising on quality. We prioritize the growth and development of our staff and continually seek opportunities to elevate patient care standards, always with compassion and innovation guiding our actions.

Through strategic acquisitions and expansions, like our recent projects in Saddar and DHA, we are increasing our capacity to cater to a larger patient base. Additionally, the establishment of OMI Clinics-DHA underscores our commitment to providing accessible care to all.

Patient satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. We hold ourselves accountable to the trust placed in us by our patients and the community at large by delivering dedicated and personalized care at every opportunity.

2. What sets OMI Hospital apart from other healthcare institutions in terms of specialized services, patient care philosophy, and community engagement?

What truly distinguishes OMI Hospital is our aim to provide specialized services tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients. While we have made significant progress, we acknowledge that there is still room for further improvement. Our wide range of Centres of Excellence (CoE), designed to deliver better care in specific fields, reflects our ongoing dedication. With esteemed specialists like Prof. Dr. Syed Nadeem Hassan Rizvi in Cardiology, Dr. Raja Muhammad Shahzad Khan in Trauma & Orthopaedics, Prof. Dr. Shabbir Hussain in Paediatrics, and Prof. Emerita Tasnim Ahsan in Diabetes & Endocrine leading the way, our round-the-clock care ensures patients receive optimal treatment.

Central to our patient care philosophy at OMI Hospital is a deep-rooted sense of empathy, respect, and dignity. Here, every individual who walks through our doors is more than just a patient—they’re deserving of compassionate care. Our aim is to create an environment where patients feel valued, understood, and empowered, which helps to build trust and confidence in the care they receive.

Additionally, we go beyond our hospital’s boundaries by actively involving ourselves in the community through various activities. Saddar and its surrounding areas are home to people of different ethnicities and religious backgrounds, each with their own governing bodies. OMI Hospital has made special efforts to collaborate with these communities to improve care and raise awareness of their specific needs. We organize health camps, run awareness programs, and partner with local organizations to promote health and well-being in our community. At OMI Hospital, we take our responsibility to positively impact both our facility and the communities we serve seriously, showing our commitment to holistic healthcare.

3. How does OMI Hospital ensure quality assurance and patient safety across all departments, including adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements?

Ensuring quality care and safety for our patients at OMI Hospital is our top priority. We understand how important it is to meet our patients’ expectations, so we take our responsibilities very seriously.

To uphold these high standards, we have strict protocols and procedures in place that meet accreditation standards and regulatory requirements. Our team regularly undergoes training to stay updated with the latest healthcare practices and technologies. Every aspect of our hospital, from its design to its processes, prioritizes patient safety above all else.

Furthermore, we have two main departments dedicated to maintaining quality and ensuring compliance with regulations: Quality Management & Regulatory Compliance and an in-house Internal Audit department. Additionally, we’ve outsourced our internal auditing function to a top-tier audit firm to provide thorough oversight of our operations. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is an ongoing process ingrained in our approach.

Our commitment extends to not only meeting but going above and beyond expectations, positively impacting the lives of those we serve. We also have a responsive complaint department, with patient relationship officers visiting patients regularly to address any concerns immediately. These issues are not only addressed promptly but are also reviewed weekly in Internal Review Board (IRB) meetings to ensure swift resolution and ongoing improvement, based on feedback from both patients and staff.

4. What patient-centred amenities or support services does OMI Hospital offer to enhance comfort and convenience for individuals receiving care?

We ensure that every individual who trusts us with their care receives excellent attention and support. We’ve put a lot of thought into designing our patient experience to make sure it’s as comfortable and convenient as possible. From comfortable rooms with modern amenities to our 24/7 emergency services, we’re here to provide quick and compassionate help whenever it’s needed.We utilize advanced diagnostic technology to ensure precise diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. Our team collaborates across various medical specialties to provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of every individual. We understand that healthcare involves more than just physical health. That’s why counselling is part of our overall care, and our patient relationship officers are here to listen and help whenever you need it.

At OMI Hospital, we welcome a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating across specialties to provide comprehensive care. Counselling is seamlessly integrated into our holistic care philosophy, addressing not only medical needs but also emotional well-being. Our patient relationship officers’ conduct daily rounds, ensuring that concerns are promptly addressed and that patients receive consistent support throughout their healthcare journey.

Additionally, our certified associates from each Centre of Excellence are available round-the-clock providing personalized care to address the specific medical needs of each person. This individualized approach showcases our dedication to delivering compassionate care that meets the highest standards of excellence.

To improve accessibility and convenience, we’ve introduced several patient-focused services. Acknowledging the increasing number of patients from interior Sindh and Balochistan, we’ve launched an interactive website. This platform enables online appointment scheduling, home sample collection, and medication delivery.

Furthermore, our extension to DHA with OMI Clinics – DHA ensures that residents of DHA, Clifton, and nearby areas can easily access comprehensive healthcare services in their vicinity. We are constantly working on enhancements through seminars, supported by our Public Relationship department. Additionally, we are leading initiatives such as post-discharge follow-up calls and telemedicine consultations. In the future, we plan to launch remote mobile clinics, ensuring that healthcare services reach even the most remote areas of our community.

5. Can you share any notable achievements or recognitions that OMI Hospital has received in recent years, highlighting areas of excellence or innovation?

I am excited to highlight some of the great things OMI Hospital has achieved recently, showing our strong commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare.

Firstly, we’re really proud to have earned the ISO 9001:2015 certification for our quality management systems. This shows how much we care about keeping our patients safe and providing the best care possible. Also, getting the SHCC License under the new rules further proves that we follow all the important regulations, making us a trusted place for healthcare.

One significant achievement is the establishment of 11 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) within our hospital. These CoEs cover a broad spectrum of specialties, including Cardiology, Trauma & Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Diabetes & Endocrine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, General & Laparoscopic Surgery, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Interventional Radiology, Pulmonology, and Dental services. They serve as proof of our expertise and commitment to delivering quality treatment to our patients. Our team’s collective effort in developing these centres highlights our dedication to improving healthcare standards overall.

At our Saddar location, we embarked on an extensive renovation project aimed at transforming our facility. This renovation was not just about aesthetics; it was a strategic investment in cutting-edge equipment and technology to enhance every aspect of patient care. From advanced operating theatres and state-of-the-art ICUs to high-resolution imaging systems and a 160-slice CT-Scan, we spared no expense to ensure our patients receive top-notch care. Notably, our revamped emergency department, featuring 12 beds, is equipped to handle any medical emergency with prompt efficiency. Furthermore, we strengthened our capabilities with two Cath labs, a modern endoscopy suite, and a dedicated dialysis unit, ensuring access to the latest medical advancements.

However, our dedication goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about the people we serve. That’s why we expanded our outpatient clinic services, making it easier for patients to access specialized consultations and follow-up care. Additionally, we inaugurated a specialized paediatric department equipped with NICU, PICU, and private facilities, recognizing the unique needs of our youngest patients and their families. With 11 paediatric subspecialties under one roof, we provide comprehensive, integrated care tailored to each child’s specific medical requirements. These initiatives highlight our firm commitment to delivering quality healthcare that truly transforms lives in our community.

6. Finally, what are some future goals or strategic initiatives that OMI Hospital is working towards to continue its legacy of excellence in healthcare delivery?

Looking ahead, OMI Hospital is dedicated to leading the way in healthcare delivery, driven by innovation, teamwork, and a strong commitment to excellence. As CEO, I am deeply involved in our key objectives, which focus on raising our standards of care and expanding our impact within the community.

Our primary goal is to stay ahead of evolving healthcare needs by broadening our services. This involves not only staying current with the latest medical advancements but also seamlessly integrating them into our practice to provide state-of-the-art treatments to our patients. We are committed to advancing our existing Centres of Excellence (COEs) and continuously improving our service delivery.

Starting fellowship programs is a priority to enhance the skills of our medical personnel and keep them by offering professional development opportunities. While these programs have started in endocrinology, we plan to introduce similar initiatives across other specialized areas in the near future.

Recognizing the crucial role of nursing education in providing quality care, we are focused on improving the skills of our nursing staff, including both interpersonal and technical abilities. Additionally, we are committed to improving the training of paramedical staff and doctors through continued medical education (CME), ensuring comprehensive and proficient patient care.

Furthermore, we aim to establish new Centres of Excellence (COEs) to address emerging healthcare needs and provide specialized care to our patients, with a particular focus on areas such as Neurology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), and Head & Neck Surgery.

Our second facility, OMI Clinics – DHA, has been crucial in our journey towards excellence, and we aim to enhance its efficacy by transforming it into a full-fledged wellness clinic. OMI Clinics – DHA serves as a comprehensive healthcare destination for residents of DHA, Clifton, and neighbouring areas. Furthermore, we are dedicated to further enhancing cardiology, gastroenterology, and dental services, offering advanced treatments to our patients. Expanding dental services will be a priority, with a focus on making them more accessible and economical to our community. We have recently introduced a full-time Non-invasive Cardiac Lab (NICL) to strengthen cardiac services.

Recognizing physiotherapy as a fundamental component of comprehensive healthcare, we intend to broaden our range of specialized physiotherapy modalities. These include not only traditional physiotherapy but also newer modalities such as, sports rehabilitation, paediatric physiotherapy, geriatric care, speech therapy and occupational therapy, among others.

These strategic initiatives highlight our commitment to upholding our legacy of excellence in healthcare delivery and making a real impact in the lives of those we serve. Together, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and try for excellence, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all.

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