Balochistan Health Department Faces Severe Shortage of Doctors and Nurses, Thousands of Vacant Posts
Quetta:A concerning report has revealed that the **Balochistan Health Department** is facing a severe shortage of medical staff, with a staggering **3,530** doctor positions remaining vacant across the province. According to the obtained documents, out of the **600 specialist doctor** posts in Balochistan, **420** remain unfilled, leaving only **180 specialists** to serve the entire province.
The report further highlights that there is also a significant shortage of **nurses**, with **351 nurse positions** remaining vacant. Additionally, it has been uncovered that **236 extra doctors** have been deployed at **Quetta’s Civil Hospital** and **Bolan Medical Complex** (BMC) beyond the sanctioned posts, revealing an alarming trend of disproportionate staffing in the capital city.
The data also shows that across the province, out of **5,556 positions** for **doctors**, **lady doctors**, and **dental surgeons**, **2,178** remain vacant. This shortage is further exacerbated by the fact that **351 out of 1,525** nurse positions are also unfilled.
**Impact on Healthcare Services:**
Due to these staffing shortages, many of the **1,251 Basic Health Units (BHUs)** in the province are severely under-resourced. Currently, only **762 BHUs** are operational, while **489 remain closed** due to the lack of qualified medical professionals.
Furthermore, a concerning trend has emerged where doctors are increasingly opting to transfer to **Quetta** rather than serving in rural areas of the province. As a result, **236 doctors** have been stationed at **Civil Hospital** and **BMC** in addition to the approved posts, with **126 at Civil Hospital** and **110 at BMC**. This has created an imbalance in the distribution of medical staff, concentrating resources in the capital while rural health facilities suffer.
This shortage of medical personnel is creating significant challenges for the health sector in Balochistan, impacting access to healthcare for the province’s population, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The situation calls for urgent measures to address the staffing crisis and ensure that healthcare services are adequately provided to all residents, especially in rural districts.
