Health Desk:
QUETTA: Over 3,200 healthcare professionals have already been recruited in Balochistan as part of the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, and an additional 800 doctors will soon be hired.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti made the announcement while chairing a high-level review meeting on the performance and reforms of the Balochistan Health Department.
So far, the government has recruited 1,600 doctors, 1,600 paramedics, and 60 faculty members, including assistant professors and senior registrars. The chief minister emphasized that improving public healthcare is a top priority, stating that no compromises will be made when it comes to serving the people of Balochistan.
“We are committed to ensuring that every citizen receives quality healthcare. If anyone wants to protest, they are free to do so — but the public interest will not be sacrificed,” he said.
The meeting also discussed the introduction of the Balochistan Institutional Reforms Act and the finalization of 12 health-related legislative drafts, five of which are in the final stages. A command and control system, facilitation centers, surveillance units, and a new data center are also being planned to improve health services across the province.
CM Bugti stressed the need for accountability and results, directing the activation of the Health Sector Reforms Unit and the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess staff performance. He noted that the province allocates over Rs80 billion annually to the health sector, saying this should be enough to provide treatment equivalent to any top-tier private hospital.
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, and other senior officials.
