BMC suspends 40 absentee doctors

QUETTA:

The Balochistan government has launched a crackdown against the chronic absentee doctors, medical professionals and teachers across the province. As part of this drive, for the first time 40 doctors and other health professionals were suspended at the province’s largest government-run hospital on Wednesday.

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services, the Medical Superintendent of Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMC) has taken action against doctors absent from their duties, suspending 20 doctors and medical staff members.

The directive came following a surprise visit by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to BMC Hospital last night, during which he expressed his firm commitment to upholding public health standards and made the staff accountable for their deeds.

The unannounced visit by Chief Minister Bugti underscored the government’s dedication to monitoring and improving healthcare facilities across the province.

Upon founding several doctors and paramedics absent from duty at the hospital, he promptly ordered the suspension of those found neglecting their duties.

“No failure will be tolerated in providing health facilities to the people,” Chief Minister Bugti emphasized, urging the paramount importance of delivering quality healthcare services to the citizens of Balochistan.

Furthermore, in line with the Chief Minister’s directive, the Medical Superintendent of BMC Hospital has also forwarded a formal letter to the Health Secretary, detailing the suspensions and outlining further departmental actions to ensure accountability and efficiency within the healthcare system.

The swift and decisive action taken by the government reflects its unwavering commitment to prioritizing public health and ensuring that medical facilities operate at optimal capacity to serve the needs of the people of Balochistan.

It may be recalled that on March 6, Bugti stressed the absolute necessity for the presence of teachers in schools and medical personnel in hospitals, ensuring there will be no compromises on this essential matter.

“There will be zero tolerance for absentee teachers and doctors,” the CM announced. Recognizing the evolving demands of the modern era, Bugti has underscored the importance of integrating skills.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2024.