Balochistan’s Routine Immunization Rate Rises to 52%, Major Improvements Recorded in Maternal and Child Healthcare

QUETTA: Balochistan has recorded significant progress in its healthcare sector, with the province’s routine immunization rate increasing from 38 percent to 52 percent, according to a survey conducted by Aga Khan University.

The survey also revealed notable improvements in maternal healthcare. The rate of home deliveries has declined from 60 percent to 38 percent, reflecting a substantial increase in institutional births and improved access to healthcare facilities across the province.

In another major public health achievement, Balochistan has remained polio-free for the past 20 months, with no cases of the disease reported during this period.

The province has also made remarkable progress in healthcare data management. DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2) reporting compliance has increased from 57 percent to 88 percent, marking a significant milestone in health sector data reporting and monitoring.

The Balochistan Health Department has digitized employee attendance across the department by registering more than 38,000 staff members under an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based digital attendance system. The initiative is aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and workforce management within the health sector.

Furthermore, the department has introduced 21 modern digital modules covering disease surveillance, human resource management, medicine and supply chain monitoring, birth and death registration, and an online job portal, among other services.

The online recruitment portal has attracted considerable public interest, receiving 3,334 applications for 138 advertised positions. Health officials stated that the recruitment process is being carried out transparently and strictly on merit.

The latest developments reflect the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through digital transformation, improved maternal and child health services, and enhanced disease surveillance mechanisms. Health authorities expressed optimism that these reforms will further improve healthcare outcomes and accessibility for the people of Balochistan.