Government of Balochistan to Take Action Against Doctors and Staff Involved in Hospital Shutdowns

Islamabad:The Government of Balochistan has decided to take action against doctors, paramedics, and pharmacists involved in illegal strikes and hospital shutdowns.

Provincial Health Minister Bakht Mohammad Kakar stated that the government has initiated departmental proceedings against those responsible for the strikes and the closure of hospitals. He added that show-cause notices have been issued to 29 doctors and pharmacists for their involvement.

The health minister specifically named medical officers Dr. Bahadur Shah, Dr. Kaleemullah, Dr. Saboor Kakar, Dr. Yasir Achakzai, Dr. Mubarak Khan, and Dr. Abdul Malik, as well as pharmacists Ejaz Agha, Aabid Abdullah, and Fareed Khan.

In addition, Balochistan Government spokesperson Shahid Rand confirmed that a decision had been made to suspend the employment of all doctors, pharmacists, and paramedics involved in the hospital shutdowns. He further mentioned that the registration of doctors involved in the shutdowns would be revoked, and the government is considering writing a letter to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding the issue.

Spokesperson Rand also emphasized that the disruption of healthcare services is both alarming and condemnable.

It is worth mentioning that a few days ago, the Director-General of Health visited the Civil Hospital in Quetta and accused young doctors of attacking and injuring him. Following the complaint, Grand Health Alliance Balochistan Chairman Dr. Bahar Shah and Dr. Hafeez Mandokhail were arrested.

In response to the arrests of union leaders, young doctors and paramedics have staged protests and boycotted OPD services.