Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain has inaugurated five fully equipped 25-bed Workers’ Hospitals in Balochistan’s remote mining regions, marking a major step toward improving healthcare access for miners and local communities.
Located in Pishin, Dalbandin, Nokundi, Chamalang, and Muslim Bagh, the hospitals will provide free and dignified medical services in line with international labour standards, addressing a long-standing gap in healthcare facilities across the province’s underserved areas.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by provincial ministers, Members of the Provincial Assembly from Pishin, Labour Advisor Balochistan Sardar Ghulam Rasool Umrani, Provincial Minister Noor Muhammad Dummar, Federal Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed, senior officials of the Balochistan Health Department, officers of the Workers Welfare Fund, representatives of workers’ organizations, and a large number of workers.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain said the initiative went beyond an administrative responsibility and represented a national commitment to honor the sacrifices and hard work of miners. He emphasized that the hospitals were not merely buildings but a solemn pledge by the State of Pakistan to protect the health, dignity, and welfare of its workers.
He informed participants that the hospitals have been developed in line with the guidelines of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to ensure safe, dignified, and free healthcare for industrial and mining workers.
The minister explained that although the hospitals were constructed in 2018, they remained non-functional for years due to the absence of medical equipment and formal Memorandums of Understanding. Through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and the Government of Balochistan, the facilities have now been fully equipped, activated, and handed over to the Balochistan Health Department.
He further clarified that these hospitals will not be restricted to workers and their families alone. Members of the general public across Balochistan will also be able to access free medical services without any discrimination.
“The workers of Balochistan are our foremost priority. The federal government will continue to take all possible steps to ensure their health, safety, dignity, and overall welfare,” the minister said.
On the occasion, Chaudhry Salik Hussain expressed special gratitude to Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, stating that the prime minister’s worker-friendly policies and vision have made such welfare-oriented projects possible. He also paid tribute to the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Syed Asim Munir, noting that peace and stability are essential foundations for development and public welfare initiatives.
Commending the efforts of the Government of Balochistan, the Balochistan Health Department, the Workers Welfare Fund, and all relevant institutions, the federal minister said these hospitals would play a critical role in saving thousands of lives in the coming years and contribute significantly to building a healthier and more prosperous Balochistan.
Labour Advisor Balochistan Sardar Ghulam Rasool Umrani also addressed the gathering and presented commemorative shields to Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, and Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed.
Briefing the participants, Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the journey of workers’ welfare would continue uninterrupted. He added that, in line with this vision, the long-awaited hospitals have now been made fully operational.
Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed between the Balochistan Health Department and the Workers Welfare Fund to ensure the sustainable operation and management of these healthcare facilities.
