QUETTA (6 AM Report): Balochistan Minister for Health Bakht Muhammad Kakar inaugurated the “Minister Health Complaint Cell” at the Directorate General of Health Office in Quetta, marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare governance and ensuring public accountability in the province.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panizai, DG Health Dr. Ameen Mandokhail, Complaint Cell In-charge Dr. Abu Bakar, and other senior health officials. Dr. Abu Bakar provided a detailed briefing to the minister on the objectives and operational procedures of the newly launched complaint cell.
Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Minister Kakar highlighted the absence of an effective system in the past for registering and addressing public grievances in government hospitals. He stated that the new cell will allow patients and citizens to directly register complaints, which will be promptly addressed by relevant authorities, with follow-up confirmation calls to ensure satisfaction.
He announced that focal persons have already been appointed in all government hospitals across Balochistan, linking them directly to the central complaint cell to ensure streamlined communication and rapid response.
In a move to modernize the healthcare system, the minister revealed that telemedicine services are being introduced to enable patients from remote areas to consult with specialist doctors online. He also announced the upcoming launch of the Benazir Air Ambulance, designed to provide emergency medical transport and advanced healthcare access for patients in critical need.
Minister Kakar emphasized that reforms in the health sector are part of the Pakistan People’s Party’s vision and that a robust monitoring and accountability system is being implemented in hospitals. “There may be infrastructure limitations, but there is no shortage of qualified doctors and medical staff,” he noted, adding that new medical equipment has already been procured to improve hospital services.
He also stressed that private hospitals are being regulated through the Balochistan Healthcare Commission, and any unregistered private facility will be sealed.
In another major announcement, the minister shared that an “e-Kachehri” (virtual grievance hearing) system will soon be launched, enabling citizens from across the province to directly submit their complaints to the health department leadership in real-time.
“This complaint cell will serve as a bridge between the public and the government,” said Minister Kakar. “It is a revolutionary step in healthcare reform that ensures the voices of patients are heard and their concerns resolved promptly. The current government is committed to serving the people and placing healthcare among its top priorities.”
