72 doctors dismissed after AI system exposes prolonged absences
The provincial Health Department removed the doctors from government service after they repeatedly failed to report for work. The system was introduced to ensure that doctors and other medical staff remain present at government hospitals and health centres.
According to an official notification issued by the Balochistan health secretary, the action was taken under Section 4(B)(viii) of the Balochistan Employees’ Efficiency and Disciplinary Act (BEEDA), 2011. The dismissed employees include medical officers in BPS-17 and senior medical officers in BPS-18.
AI attendance system identifies absent doctors
The dismissal orders took effect immediately, according to the notification. The government said the doctors were removed because of their unauthorised and prolonged absence from official duties.
The latest action has increased the total number of Health Department employees dismissed from service to 200. Officials say the AI-based attendance system is helping the government identify employees who fail to follow attendance rules.
The system is being used to monitor staff attendance at government hospitals and healthcare centres across the province. It is part of a wider effort to improve discipline and ensure that medical facilities have staff available when patients need treatment.
Rs410 million deducted over absenteeism
Health Department officials said the government had deducted Rs410 million from employees’ salaries because of absenteeism. The department has also issued notices to around 11,000 employees, asking them to explain violations of attendance and disciplinary rules.
The notification said further action was also being taken against other employees. “Departmental action is under way against another 800 employees,” it said.
These measures show that the provincial government is expanding its action against staff members who fail to perform their official duties. The department has not provided further details about the possible penalties for all employees facing action.
Health minister explains government action
Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said the dismissed doctors had received repeated notices asking them to return to work. However, they failed to respond to the government’s warnings.
He said their continued absence and failure to answer official notices had left the government with no choice but to take disciplinary action. The minister said the government would not accept negligence by medical staff.
“We have zero tolerance for absenteeism and negligence among medical staff and doctors in the performance of their official duties,” Kakar said. He added that the Health Department was working to provide people with the best possible healthcare facilities at their doorsteps.
Government plans further health reforms
Kakar said the provincial Health Department was introducing reforms to improve the performance of government hospitals and other medical facilities. These steps are being taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
He said the AI-based attendance system was helping authorities monitor doctors and other employees more effectively. The government wants to ensure that medical staff remain available to treat patients during their assigned working hours.
The authorities believe better attendance monitoring can improve the performance of public healthcare facilities. Further disciplinary action is expected against employees who continue to ignore attendance rules.
The dismissal of 72 doctors shows that the Balochistan government is taking a stricter approach to staff attendance. The AI-based system is making it easier to identify employees who remain absent from their duties.
However, improving healthcare requires more than monitoring attendance. The government must also ensure that hospitals have enough doctors, medicines and medical equipment so patients can receive proper treatment.
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