CM orders formation of price control committees

Instructs all deputy commissioners to ensure proper treatment of patients at DHQs

QUETTA: On the directives of Chief Minister Jam Kamal, all the deputy commissioners (DCs) of Balochistan have established price control committees and initiated inspection of shops and hotels. These committees would clamp down on people involved in artificial price hike and adulteration.

The DCs would also inspect hospitals in their respective areas to ensure presence of doctors and other paramedical staff. The initiative is being taken after the CM took notice of absence of necessary facilities at the government-run hospitals and hike in the prices of basic commodities.

Meanwhile, Kamal also expressed grief over the demise of little girl, Ayena Gul, who died at Quetta’s Civil Hospital on Sunday apparently due to absence of senior doctors.

Ayena was brought to the Civil Hospital after she was hit by a speedy vehicle near Khanozai and shifted to its trauma center in a critical condition. She succumbed to her injuries on Sunday afternoon when her family was shifting her to the Combined Military Hospital.

The family alleged that she died because of the absence of senior doctors at the hospital. “Despite Ayena’s critical condition, senior doctors didn’t visit the hospital. The hospital staff left our girl in critical condition,” said a member of the family.

The family urged the Balochistan CM and health officials to take immediate notice of the issue of lack of doctors and health facilities at the Civil Hospital. Later Jam Kamal directed all the DCs to ensure proper health facilities at all district headquarters hospitals (DHQs).

He directed all the DCs to visit the DHQs and make sure presence of staff there. Kamal also directed the deputy commissioners to submit reports regarding health facilities in the DHQs and hospitals’ needs. The CM directed the health secretary to take immediate action on the DC’s reports.

Kamal also condoled with senior journalist Khalil Ahmed and prayed for quick recovery of senior journalist Ashiq Butt. He assured his support to Butt’s family.