QUETTA: On Universal Health Coverage Day, Balochistan’s Provincial Health Minister, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, declared that providing equal healthcare access to every citizen is both a pressing necessity and a collective responsibility, outlining sweeping reforms to revitalize the province’s long-neglected health sector.
Under the directives of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the government is implementing “fundamental and lasting reforms” to build a modern, reliable, and quality health system. Minister Kakar stated that decades of neglect are being countered with decisive action, marking the first time Balochistan is strengthening its health infrastructure on modern lines.
Key initiatives include activating basic and district health centers across the province, upgrading laboratories and emergency units, and ensuring the availability of medical staff in remote areas. The minister highlighted that new laws, a robust monitoring system, transparency, and modern technology have already significantly improved performance in government health facilities.
The government’s vision extends beyond treatment to include disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles. Provincial programs for maternal and child health, vaccination, nutrition, and emergency care are being expanded to protect vulnerable populations.
“Our ongoing reforms aim to establish a system that provides easy, effective, dignified, and affordable treatment to every citizen,” Kakar asserted. He expressed confidence that under CM Bugti’s patronage, the province is on the right track, and the people will soon feel the tangible benefits of these changes.
The Health Department has vowed to intensify efforts to make universal health coverage a reality, ensuring quality health facilities reach the doorsteps of all Balochistan residents.
Meanwhile a grim wave of road accidents across three districts of Balochistan on Thursday claimed nine lives and left six others injured, casting a shadow of grief over the province.
The most devastating incident occurred in the Sarki Jangle area of Loralai. According to police, a speeding car collided with a motorcycle carrying a prayer leader, Ehsanullah, and his wife. The couple died instantly. The impact caused the car to overturn, seriously injuring its six occupants. Police shifted the victims to Loralai district hospital, where three more—two women and a man—succumbed to their injuries. A fourth injured woman passed away en route to Quetta’s Civil Hospital.
