Balochistan Dismisses 72 Doctors Over Absenteeism
The Balochistan government has terminated the services of 72 doctors due to continued absence from their duties, intensifying efforts against absenteeism within the provincial health sector. This recent action raises the total number of dismissed government employees for similar reasons to 200.
Measures to Enhance Accountability in Health Department
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced the implementation of an artificial intelligence-based attendance system for the first time in Balochistan’s health department. This system aims to more accurately monitor staff attendance and enhance accountability among healthcare workers.
Alongside dismissals, the provincial government has deducted approximately Rs410 million from employees’ salaries due to disciplinary breaches. Furthermore, over 11,000 government servants have received show-cause notices citing negligence and failure to fulfill their responsibilities, with disciplinary proceedings underway against 800 employees.
Why This Crackdown Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan’s public sector often grapples with absenteeism, negatively impacting service delivery, especially in critical sectors like healthcare. Balochistan’s decisive actions by removing non-performing staff and integrating AI technology to monitor attendance signal a move toward stronger governance and improved public service standards.
Chief Minister Bugti emphasized that government employees must serve with dedication and integrity, saying, “No government employee will be allowed to draw a salary while staying at home.” This crackdown reflects a growing intolerance for neglect in public offices which could set a precedent for other provinces contending with similar issues.
