During the Fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, a panel discussion on the involvement of NGOs in the improvement of Health Services in OIC Member Countries was held. The panelists inspired by the ideas and views on various aspects of NGO involvement in the improvement of health services in OIC Member Countries was held.

The panelists inspired by the ideas and views on various aspects of NGO involvements in the improvement of health services in OIC Member Communities have put forward the following recommendations for consideration by member countries:
• Volunteerism for NGOs in the implementation of various health programs should be promoted by all stakeholders.

• Specialisation in specific areas related to healthcare service delivery is important for NGOs in order to become more efficient in supporting the implementation of the different thematic areas in the SHPA.

• Adopting participatory approach with different stakeholders among NGOs themselves, and between them and other entities including governments, donors, and private sectors would influence the effective and sustainable delivery of health services.

• NGOs can play a significant role in conducting outreach activities and working with communities at the grass root level, such as influencing the change of myths and misbeliefs on health related issues.

• NGOs are active in the development of sustainable health centres around the Islamic world to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages particularly in the state of disasters and fragile conditions.

• Youth should be actively involved in decision making processes in health sector.

• Young NGOs in member countries should be supported for better inclusion and deeper cooperation in health sector, as well as to promote non-formal and peer-to-peer education methodologies to fight against diseases.

• NGOs could be active in improving health services through capacity building, awareness-raising, acting as a link between community and government and in its efforts in improving coverage of healthcare services, as well as addressing gaps and advocating for the importance of strengthening health regulatory systems in OIC countries.

• Strength of NGOs in provision of services to vulnerable and deprived communities, through changing cultural perceptions and social dynamics should be capitalised.

• National Primary Health Councils (PRH) that facilitates inter-sectoral collaboration among NGOs and relevant ministries are crucial for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health policies and strategies.

• Domestic and international regulation facilitating NGO operation in capacity building care in order to facilitate access to health services.

• A mechanism for a clear-cut decision-making process based on trust, transparency, and solidarity should be developed in order for NGOs to play their roles in global health services within the framework of the SHPA.

These recommendations were finalized and presented before the open house of Islamic Conference in its concluding session.

Dr. Tanveer Zubairi
President, FIMA