QUETTA: In a major push to revolutionize its healthcare sector, the Balochistan government has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish new nursing colleges across all divisions and key districts of the province. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, will operate on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and aims to produce 2,000 trained nurses every year.
The project is being launched in collaboration with Khyber Medical University. CM Bugti emphasized that this large-scale effort is designed to meet the growing global demand for skilled healthcare professionals. “We are opening dignified and secure employment pathways for our youth in the nursing and healthcare sectors both locally and internationally,” he stated. The goal is to ensure that the youth of Balochistan are trained to international standards, enabling them to serve their local communities while also securing opportunities on the global stage.
The Chief Minister reiterated that training, technology, and infrastructure are the government’s top priorities for uplifting the health sector. He affirmed that a robust healthcare system is the fundamental requirement for delivering quality medical services to the people of the province.
The high-level meeting was attended by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, and senior officials. Divisional commissioners participated via video link and presented proposals, including identifying suitable buildings for the new colleges. It was also confirmed that existing public nursing colleges will continue their operations to further bolster the output of qualified professionals.
Meanwhile Balochistan will launch a 12-day Measles and Rubella vaccination drive from November 17 to 29 across all 36 districts, Provincial Coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Dr. Aftab Kakar announced on Tuesday.
He urged parents to ensure children aged six months to under five years receive the vaccine to strengthen immunity and prevent life-threatening infections.
Dr. Kakar said about 1,700 measles cases and 23 deaths have been reported in Balochistan this year, warning that the actual figures may be higher due to poor data collection.
Speaking at a seminar at the Quetta Press Club, he said community participation and responsible media coverage are crucial to protect children’s lives.
He warned that measles is spreading rapidly across Pakistan and is more contagious than COVID-19. “One infected person can transmit the virus to eight to ten others,” he said, urging parents to visit Basic Health Units, hospitals, and designated vaccination points.
Dr. Kakar said the disease can damage children’s eyes, lungs, and chest, often proving fatal. He added that vaccine refusal — similar to polio campaigns — remains a major obstacle to eradication efforts.
He also stressed the need for clean drinking water to prevent other diseases such as hepatitis, polio, and gastrointestinal infections.
