The Balochistan Assembly passed an amendment bill to aid citizens affected by terrorism through a majority vote in a session led by Rehmat Saleh Baloch. Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Noshirwani presented the bill, which lawmakers passed. Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti introduced a motion under the Balochistan Provincial Assembly Act 1974, which was unanimously approved.The session adjourned to reconvene at 3 PM on February 14.
After the session, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Health Secretary Mujeeb Panizai briefed members on the province’s healthcare initiatives. Kakar emphasized the need for member suggestions to incorporate into budget planning, highlighting the Health Department’s commitment to improve services and ensure medicine availability in public hospitals. He highlighted key projects, including a Health Information System for Quetta hospitals to track medicine inventory and patient records.
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The briefing highlighted projects like new ICU units, including a Cardiac Surgery ICU and the upcoming Balochistan Institute of Cardiology. Civil Hospital Quetta has established a 200-bed Trauma Center, and authorities are developing Baacha Khan and Benazir hospitals. It also includes a cancer treatment unit at Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hospital.
Panizai discussed modernizing basic health units across districts, introducing mobile health units, maternity centers, and telemedicine services for remote areas. He shared concerning statistics, with 71% living below the poverty line and high maternal mortality rates. He also emphasized the importance of combating malnutrition and improving medicine quality.
Efforts included recruiting 1,600 doctors on contract and installing cameras in hospitals to ensure attendance. The government established a Healthcare Commission to regulate private hospitals, and tertiary hospitals are gaining financial independence. A focus remains on eradicating polio, improving health cards, and addressing medicine standards.
Lawmakers praised the initiatives and provided recommendations for further development, with Kakar assuring their inclusion to strengthen healthcare services in the province.
