In 2007, an alcohol-based hand rub was developed based on a WHO formula and produced by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad as part of the first global patient safety challenge.

Implementation of the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and conducting of a baseline survey in 2009, demonstrated partial compliance with prescribed patient safety standards. Subsequent expansion of the Initiative to other hospitals at the federal and provincial level was undertaken in 2010 and an action plan was finalised.

A dedicated patient safety centre was established in March 2010. The latest progress report of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in 2011 indicated compliance to 19 critical standards. The WHO Regional Office plans to reassess and determine the impact of the Initiative and identify the need for further support including training.