4,376 doctors appointed in Sindh

CM directs health ministry to hire another 2,000 doctors

KARACHI: As many as 4,376 doctors have been appointed against vacant posts at health facilities in various districts of Sindh, Health Secretary Dr Fazlullah Pechuho informed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday.

The health secretary further informed the CM in a briefing that 5,402 medical officers, including 2,769 female medical officers, were issued offer letters, of whom 5,263 accepted the offer while 4,376 reported on their duties.

The CM directed Health Minister Dr Sikandar Mandhro to send a request to the Sindh Public Service Commission for hiring another 2,000 doctors so that all vacancies for doctors at public hospitals could be filled. "The health emergency declared in the province has produced some congenial results but there is still a lot to do to provide free-of-charge quality health facilities to each and every citizen in the province," the CM said.



The meeting also reviewed procurement of medicine, condition of health facilities running under public-private partnership and donor projects.

The meeting was informed that the procurement of medicines was made through two ways. As much as 15% of medicine was procured by the hospitals locally, while 85% of medicine was procured by the government through tenders. The local purchase was made keeping in view the specific requirements and needs of hospitals. The CM was told that hospitals and medical facilities were allowed to purchase medicines and related items up to 15% of their budget as per the rules.