The Balochistan Health Department on Saturday removed 72 doctors from government service for extended unauthorised absence, increasing the overall count of dismissed health workers to 200.
The terminations were executed under an artificial intelligence (AI) attendance system that the provincial government introduced to ensure medical staff regularly report for duty.
An official notice from the Balochistan health secretary stated the action was taken pursuant to Section 4(B)(viii) of the Balochistan Employees Efficiency and Disciplinary Act (BEEDA), 2011. The dismissed staff include medical officers (BPS-17) and senior medical officers (BPS-18), with the orders effective immediately.
Health Department representatives reported that Rs410 million has already been deducted from employee salaries because of absenteeism. The notice also mentioned that explanations have been requested from 11,000 employees for attendance and disciplinary breaches, and that disciplinary proceedings are ongoing against another 800.
Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said the doctors had repeatedly been instructed by notices to report for duty but had not complied. He explained that their continued absence and lack of response forced the government's hand.
"We have zero tolerance for absenteeism and negligence among medical staff and doctors in the performance of their official duties," Kakar said. He added that the department aims to deliver the best possible healthcare facilities to people at their doorsteps.
Kakar noted that reforms to boost departmental performance are being implemented on the orders of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and that attendance at government hospitals and health centres is now being tracked through the AI-based system.
