Turning Vision into Action: Two-Day Workshop to Strengthen Pediatric Oncology Shared Care Network in Sindh

A two-day workshop titled “Strengthening the Shared Care Network for Paediatric Oncology: Prioritizing and Process Mapping” was organized at Indus University Hospital, Karachi, under the mentorship of Dr. Muhammad Rafie Raza, Pediatric Oncologist at the hospital and Global Scholar at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Leveraging his Global Scholar Grant for Implementation Science Research, the initiative built on the existing Shared Care Network model led by the Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology at Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) and supported by My Child Matters by Foundation S. The workshop brought together 45 stakeholders, both in person and virtually, demonstrating strong commitment, active engagement, and shared ownership across the network to strengthen pediatric oncology care delivery.

Using the World Health Organization Health Systems Building Blocks framework, the workshop adopted a structured and hands-on approach. Day one centred on a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of the Shared Care Network, enabling participants to critically examine system gaps, operational challenges, and opportunities for strengthening care delivery across centres. This was followed by a structured prioritization of key areas to define actionable steps and map the network’s future direction. On day two, the focus shifted to capacity building in clinical practice and operational processes, equipping teams with practical tools and shared strategies to effectively implement and sustain a high-quality pediatric oncology shared care network.

A special acknowledgment goes to the workshop co-facilitators—Dr. Bilal Qureshi (Aga Khan University Hospital) and Dr. Sadia Muhammad (IHHN), Dr. Ahmer Hamid (IHHN), and Dr. Rafie Raza —who led the sessions, drawing on their training and experience from St. Judes. Their expertise ensured a structured, engaging, and insight-driven learning environment. Complementing the clinical leadership, Dr. Hebah Mushtaque and Dr. Mehnaz Fatima brought valuable expertise in program management and research, strengthening the workshop’s implementation and strategic direction

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Sundas Hashmani, consultant from the shared care team, shared, “This was a valuable first interaction with shared care network key drivers; it was very helpful to hear and understand the challenges faced on the ground similar to mine.” Similarly, Onco Pediatrician Dr. Naseer emphasized, “Collaboration and structured planning are key, and such efforts can significantly strengthen service delivery and improve patient care outcomes.” The workshop also saw active participation from senior leadership, including Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Shamvil Ashraf and President and Founder of IHHN Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, who engaged in discussions on the evolving Shared Care Network model and emphasized that strengthening leadership, governance, and system ownership remains critical to enhancing both the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of paediatric oncology care.

This workshop marks another important step in IHHN’s journey toward strengthening paediatric oncology services through collaborative learning, capacity building,  and system-wide improvement.