Balochistan’s Healthcare in Shambles: 2178 medical posts unfilled

Quetta (Daily Pakistan Online) A recent revelation has exposed that a staggering 3530 posts for doctors are vacant in the Health Department of Balochistan. This shortage is further exacerbated by the fact that out of 600 posts for specialist doctors, 420 remain unfilled. The entire province has only 180 specialist doctors providing services, while 351 posts for nurses also lie vacant.

What’s more alarming is that 236 doctors are excessively appointed in Quetta’s Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical Complex, beyond the sanctioned posts. According to documents, out of 5556 posts for doctors, lady doctors, and dental surgeons, 2178 posts are vacant. This includes 745 posts in the teaching cadre, 187 in health management, and 420 in specialist cadres.²

Similarly, out of 1525 posts for nurses, 351 are vacant. The vacancy of doctors and nurses has resulted in only 762 out of 1251 Basic Health Units (BHUs) being functional, while 489 remain closed.³

It’s worth noting that there’s a growing trend among doctors to opt for postings in Quetta rather than serving in other parts of the province.