Health Department Balochistan

Category Archives: News & Updates

Balochistan Health Leadership Conference 2026: Comprehensive Review of Health Department Performance and Reform Initiatives on Day Two

Quetta: On the second day of the Balochistan Health Leadership Conference 2026, an important progress review meeting was held to assess the performance of the Health Department Balochistan and ongoing reform initiatives. The Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq, attended the session as a special guest.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Health Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Secretary Health Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Special Secretary Health Shehak Baloch, Director General Health Services Dr. Ghulam Farooq, Provincial Coordinator of Balochistan Health Management Information System (BHMIS) Dr. Ababgar Baloch, and Dr. Humayun Amiri from UNICEF Balochistan.

District Health Officers (DHOs), Medical Superintendents (MSs), and District Managers (DMs) from the Quetta, Zhob, Rakhshan, Sibi, and Nasirabad divisions also participated in the meeting.

During the session, participants conducted a detailed review of ongoing healthcare reforms across the province, including digitalization, improvements in service delivery, and public health promotion initiatives. Secretary Health Mujeeb-ur-Rehman briefed attendees on various programs, ongoing projects, and the future strategy aimed at improving public access to healthcare facilities and promoting transparency within the system.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq appreciated the performance of the Health Department Balochistan and the provincial leadership, noting visible improvements in the health sector across the province.

Provincial Minister for Health Bakht Muhammad Kakar informed Dr. Farooq that no polio case has been reported in Balochistan during the past 13 months, describing it as a significant achievement.

Dr. Farooq commended the overall performance of the Health Department, particularly appreciating the leadership of the Provincial Health Minister and the Secretary Health. She congratulated the provincial government, Health Department officials, field workers, and all relevant institutions on their successful efforts against polio, stating that this achievement is the result of collective efforts and that the same spirit must continue.

She further added that health sector reforms in Balochistan are acknowledged and appreciated at the federal level.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating reform efforts to make the healthcare system in Balochistan more effective, transparent, and people-friendly.

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar Takes Notice of Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences (BUMHS) Failing to Upload MDCAT Exam Booklets, Issues Immediate Instructions

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar Takes Notice of Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences (BUMHS) Failing to Upload MDCAT Exam Booklets, Issues Immediate Instructions!

The Provincial Health Minister of Balochistan, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, took immediate notice of complaints regarding the non-uploading of MDCAT (Medical & Dental College Admission Test) exam booklets by Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences (BUMHS).

Complaints were received from numerous male and female students who appeared for the exam, stating that although the MDCAT exam was conducted, its booklets were not uploaded to the university’s website, causing concern among the candidates.

Taking notice of the matter, the Health Minister issued immediate instructions to the Vice-Chancellor of Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences to upload all MDCAT exam booklets immediately, in accordance with transparency requirements, to address the candidates’ concerns and restore confidence in the merit-based system.

Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar stated that the Government of Balochistan believes in a transparent, fair, and merit-based examination system. Injustice against students at any level will not be tolerated.

Furthermore, the Health Minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure transparency and effective monitoring in the examination process to prevent such issues in the future.

Balochistan Health Minister Visits Child Life Foundation, Vows to Expand Telemedicine Services

Provincial Health Minister of Balochistan, Mr. Bakht Muhammad Kakar, visited the head office of the Child Life Foundation.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the plan to expand the telemedicine network to various districts of Balochistan.

On this occasion, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar stated that the Government of Balochistan is fully utilizing modern technology to provide health facilities in the remote areas of the province.

He said that through telemedicine, patients from remote areas of Balochistan can now receive direct consultation and treatment from specialist doctors in other cities while remaining in their own districts.

This system will not only save time and costs but will also make the provision of timely and quality treatment possible in the province.

This initiative marks the beginning of a new era in healthcare for the people of Balochistan.

Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and UNICEF Leadership Review Health Sector Achievements and Future Plans

Balochistan Minister for Health, Mr. Bakht Muhammad Kakar held a high-level meeting with UNICEF officials, including Dr. Gunter Boussey (Chief of Health), Dr. Safina (MNCH Manager) and Ms. Sabah (Nutrition Manager, UNICEF Pakistan). Also in attendance were Secretary Health Balochistan, Director General Health, senior officials from the Health Department, Dr. Amiri (CSD Manager) and UNICEF Quetta staff.
The meeting focused on ongoing collaborative projects between UNICEF and the Government of Balochistan, as well as future avenues for cooperation. Despite a demanding schedule and a surge of visitors in Quetta this week, the Minister emphasized the importance of these engagements, noting that such partnerships are vital to sustaining momentum in health sector reforms.
UNICEF leadership commended the recent initiatives of the Balochistan Health Department, highlighting the province’s consistent and sustainable reforms under a comprehensive strategy. Dr. Gunter praised Balochistan’s commitment, suggesting that other provinces could learn from its example to strengthen the national health system.
Minister Kakar outlined several key initiatives being implemented with UNICEF’s support, including DHIS-2, the medicine tracking system, the Health Profile Assessment Tool, the establishment of a complaint cell, and enhanced surveillance systems. These efforts, he noted, have improved disease burden identification, transparency in service delivery, grievance redressal, and data-driven policy formulation.
The meeting also reviewed progress in Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH), nutrition deficiency control, immunization coverage, and strategies to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Minister reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to ensure equitable and quality healthcare for the people of Balochistan.
UNICEF reaffirmed its dedication to expanding cooperation, announcing plans to provide technical assistance to strengthen primary healthcare, improve service delivery in remote areas, and build the capacity of health workers.
In closing, Minister Kakar expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s continued support, acknowledging its role in modernizing Balochistan’s health infrastructure and voicing optimism for even greater outcomes in the future.

Provincial Health Minister Mr. Bakht Muhammad Kakar visited Public Welfare Hospital Sui

Upon arrival at the hospital, Deputy Commissioner Dera Bugti Zohaib Khan and CEO Public Welfare Hospital welcomed him with their presence. Later, the CEO gave a detailed presentation and informed about the problems faced by the institution.
The Health Minister was accompanied by CEO Indus Hospitals Syed Zafar Zaidi, Secretary Health Mujeeb Panzai, Director General Health Dr. Amin Mandokhel and Director Operations Indus Khalid Shah and other officers. The delegation inspected all departments of the hospital, inquired about the well-being of patients and heard the problems of the public and patients directly. And issued necessary instructions on the spot and resolved the problems.
During the visit, instructions were issued for immediate improvement, describing the supply chain of medicine as unsatisfactory. Emphasis was placed on activating all departments on an emergency basis and full cooperation was assured, and it was clarified that no negligence in providing basic health facilities to the public would be tolerated.

Screening Campaign for 4,500 People Launched in 12 Jails of Balochistan

Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar inaugurates Chief Minister’s Prison Health Initiative

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar today formally inaugurated the Chief Minister’s Prison Health Initiative: TB, Lungs and Beyond at Central Jail Quetta. Under this initiative, 3,000 prisoners and 1,500 police officers will be screened for 30 different diseases in 12 jails of Balochistan. The campaign aims to prevent diseases like lung diseases as well as hepatitis and HIV, manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote the psychosocial well-being of prisoners.

The inaugural ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Provincial Coordinator of the Provincial TB Control Program Dr. Sher Afgan Raisani delivered the welcome remarks, while Director General Health Services Balochistan Dr. Amin Khan Mandokhel, Secretary Health Balochistan Mujibur Rahman and Inspector General Prisons Balochistan Capt. (R) Abdul Saeed Naveed highlighted the importance of this initiative in keynote addresses and termed it an important effort to improve the public health system in the province.

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, while inaugurating the campaign, said in his address that provision of public health facilities in prisons is one of the top priorities of the government. He said that through comprehensive screening of prisoners and staff, not only timely diagnosis of diseases will be possible but also the health protection of a vulnerable section of the society will be ensured.

The Health Minister paid tribute to the entire team of the Provincial TB Control Program and said that this team is performing its national duty day and night with great effort, dedication and honesty, in which their sense of duty and spirit of public service are commendable. Furthermore, he thanked the Dopasi Foundation for providing technical support throughout the campaign, which has enabled the program to be carried out effectively and successfully.

This initiative has been launched under the leadership of the Provincial TB Control Program Balochistan, under the visionary leadership of the Minister of Health, in collaboration with Dopasi Foundation and supported by the TB Reach Initiative of the Stop TB Partnership.

Health Sector Flood Preparedness and Response Meeting Held In Quetta

Quetta, 2nd September 2025 – A high-level meeting on Flood Preparedness and Response for the health sector was held at the office of the Director General Health Services (DGHS) Balochistan. The session was chaired by the Chairman, Provincial Committee on Health Sector Flood Preparedness and Response, and co-chaired by the Sub-Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) Balochistan.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Health Department, WHO, UNICEF, IHHN, BRSP, PPHI Balochistan, and vertical programs including EPI, MNCH, BHMIS, and VBD. The agenda focused on strengthening coordination, ensuring availability of human resources and essential supplies, and protecting health services in flood-prone districts, especially Naseerabad Division and Dera Bugti.
Progress achieved since the last meeting included:
  • Mapping of HR and logistics for flood duties by PDSRU.
  • Notification of HR and logistics by MNCH Program for MNCH services, with static centers established in Usta Mohammad and Sohbatpur.
  • DHO Naseerabad notified as Divisional Coordinator for Flood Response and Preparedness.
  • 5W matrix shared by vertical programs and partners for coordination.
  • Proposal drafted and forwarded to Secretary Health by Director VBD for IRS and malaria logistics.
  • All mobile health units functionalized: 4 in Naseerabad Division and 4 at DGHS office Balochistan.
  • Priority diseases finalized and data management system strengthened by PDSRU.
  • First phase of medicine delivery completed with 1,000 vials of ASV and 100 vials of ARV provided.
  • PPHI moved contingency medicines and labor room stock to safe health facilities in Naseerabad Division.
The Chairman emphasized continued close coordination with PDMA, vertical programs, and partner organizations to safeguard health facilities, ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery, and prevent disease outbreaks during the ongoing flood emergency.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that the process of reforms in the health department will continue and that the government is committed to providing quality health facilities to the common man.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti formally inaugurated the MRI, Cath Lab and Digital Pharmacy equipped with modern medical facilities at Civil Sandeman Hospital Quetta. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Advisor Naseem-ur-Rehman Mullakhel, Members of Provincial Assembly, Zarak Mandokhel, Ali Madad Jatak, Asfandyar Kakar, Asghar Khan Tareen, Secretary Health Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panizai, Director General Health Services Dr. Amin Khan Mandokhel, Medical Superintendent Dr. Hadi Khan and other concerned officials attended the inauguration ceremony. The Chief Minister inspected various departments of the hospital in detail and while reviewing the modern facilities, said that the provincial government is taking serious steps to provide the best health facilities to the people. On this occasion, he also announced the nomination of the highest civil award for Dr. Wasay, a medical expert serving at the Civil Hospital. Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that Dr. Wasay has left his monthly salary of Rs. 3.2 million in England and has come to Balochistan on a salary of Rs. 1.5 million only out of the spirit of service to the people, which has made a wonderful sacrifice and extraordinary commitment to public service. He said that great personalities like Dr. Wasay are the real asset of our society. Talking to the media on the occasion of the visit, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that the Civil Hospital is the largest medical institution in Balochistan. One billion rupees have been allocated in the budget for its reconstruction and modern machinery has been imported. He said that the MRI 1.5 Tesla machine installed in the hospital is the latest model which will remain active 24 hours while the facility of Cath Lab has also been provided for the patients. He said that in the past, corruption was common in the pharmacies of the hospitals, but now to ensure transparency and public convenience, the pharmacy system has been completely digitalized. Mir Sarfaraz Bugti appreciated the performance of Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Secretary Health and the entire team for the improvement, functionality and reforms in the health department and said that everyone’s positive suggestions will be welcomed in the reform process. The Chief Minister clarified that if anyone has any reservations about the reform process, the government will resolve everyone’s reservations through talks. He said that if any employee is found involved in political activities, strict action will be taken against him under the BIDA Act. He also said that the government will not accept pressure or blackmail from any organization and will stand with the oppressed and poor who shiver in the cold and burn in the heat. Quality medical facilities are the right of every individual. We are committed to providing quality health facilities to the common man of Balochistan.

Secretary Health Balochistan Launches Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Services in Collaboration with National and International Partners

Secretary Health Balochistan, Mr. Mujeeb ur Rehman Panezai, addressed the formal launch ceremony of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Services held on 18th August 2025. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Health Department Balochistan, the Governments of Canada and the United States, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In his speech, the Secretary highlighted that mental health issues have long been neglected, resulting in serious consequences not only for the affected individuals but also for their families and society. He emphasized that the establishment of MHPSS services in Balochistan marks a milestone towards building a more humane and responsive health system.

He further underlined that in a vast and sparsely populated province like Balochistan, where access to health facilities in remote areas remains a challenge, the provision of mental health and psychosocial services is a dire need of the time. Through this program, counseling, awareness, and support will be provided to address stress, anxiety, and other psychological conditions in a timely manner.

The Secretary reaffirmed the Government of Balochistan’s commitment to continuing health sector reforms and expanding modern health services to ensure that the people of the province receive accessible and quality healthcare aligned with contemporary needs.

Government of Balochistan decides to activate the pending Jhalawan Medical College and Hospital project

Quetta, August 11, 2025

Project Director relieved of duties; Communications Department will take over the project decision made in the meeting.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, was attended by Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Leader of the Opposition Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, and senior officials.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed regret over the unnecessary delay in the completion of the project.

Relevant departments instructed to re-draft the PC-1 and immediately expedite work on the project.

Two batches have graduated from Jhalawan Medical College, and 400 students are currently enrolled briefing in the meeting.

Delay in the project is increasing problems for students, said Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

“We will not allow the future of our children to be put at risk; the project must be completed as soon as possible,” directed Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

The timely completion of Jhalawan Medical College and Hospital will significantly improve medical facilities in the region, said Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti.