No More Salaries for Absentees: Balochistan Health Minister Vows Reforms in Health Sector

Quetta:** Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar has announced a firm policy shift in the provincial health department, stating that government health workers will now be paid based strictly on their attendance and performance. *”No health employee will be allowed to enjoy a salary while sitting at home,”* he declared during a media talk on Saturday.

Acknowledging past shortcomings in the health sector, the minister emphasized that long-overdue reforms are finally being implemented. *”What should have been done years ago in the health department was neglected. That won’t happen anymore,”* he added.

He highlighted the need for a proper medicine supply chain across Balochistan, stating that directives have already been issued to ensure availability of medicines in all district hospitals.

Thanks to the personal interest of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, modern equipment including **MRI and CT scan machines** have been installed at Quetta Civil Hospital and Sheikh Zayed Hospital. *”There is no need for patients to seek private facilities now,”* the minister said.

To monitor staff attendance and performance, **AI-powered surveillance cameras** have been installed in hospitals. *”Doctors will only be paid for the days they are present on duty,”* he reiterated.

Bakht Muhammad Kakar also announced that **164 non-functional Basic Health Units (BHUs)** will be inaugurated on **August 14**, marking a significant milestone in the province’s healthcare revitalization.

Regarding a recent incident at Musakhel Hospital, he confirmed that a **fact-finding committee** has been formed to investigate the matter thoroughly.

*“Things can’t change overnight, but we are committed to meeting the expectations of our party leadership and the people of Balochistan,”* the minister concluded.