Minister vows action against ‘doctors stirring up trouble’

He assures the hospital administration of resolving the issue of unavailability of medicines

QUETTA: Balochistan Health Minister Mir Naseeb Ullah Marri has said that stern action would be taken against doctors “who are undermining the health service delivery with their unwarranted protest”.

A few doctors are creating an unnecessary disturbance, the health minister said during the inauguration of nutrition and tuberculosis units in Children Hospital Quetta on Thursday.

"We took charge of this hospital on August 8 and insured free-of-charge treatment since the beginning. This hospital is currently equipped with standard equipment but the facilities will be upgraded as per need," Marri said.

He further said that the hospital was now providing free health service as compared to the past when patients were charged a substantial fee. “But the dearth of specialist doctors remains a major concern,” he said.

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"Hopefully, we will overcome the shortage with appointments on contract basis,” Marri remarked.

He also assured the hospital administration of resolving the issue of unavailability of medicines. “Soon hospitals will be provided with full stock of medicines.”

Marri said the health department had taken steps for the purchase of medicines from multinational companies instead of local firms to minimise the risk of spurious medicines, he said when asked how the shortage would be overcome.

He added that he had held discussions with protesting doctors and informed them that the culprits involved in the mishap with the female doctor had been apprehended. “If doctors still continue the protest, action has to be taken against them," the health minister warned.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2019.