QUETTA: Balochistan’s Health Minister, Bakhth Muhammad Kakar, on Sunday inaugurated Complaint Cell 1129 at the Directorate General of Health Office to improve healthcare accountability.
Dr. Abu Bakar, in charge of the complaint cell, briefed the minister about its goals and operations. He said the system will help streamline public grievance redressal.
Speaking to the media, Minister Kakar admitted that patients previously lacked an effective way to register and resolve complaints about hospital services. He said the new cell will act as a direct communication channel between citizens and health authorities.
To ensure accountability, complainants will receive follow-up calls to confirm satisfaction after resolution. Focal persons have been appointed at hospitals across Balochistan for quick coordination with the complaint cell.
The minister also announced new telemedicine services. These will connect patients in remote areas with specialist doctors through online consultations. He said this will reduce travel to urban centers and improve access to care.
Another major initiative is the upcoming Benazir Air Ambulance Service. The service will provide rapid emergency medical assistance, especially in hard-to-reach regions.
Kakar said the government has introduced a system of checks and balances in public hospitals. He acknowledged infrastructure issues but insisted there is no shortage of medical staff. He said efforts are underway to improve their performance.
He stressed the need to regulate private healthcare. The Balochistan Healthcare Commission will oversee registration and compliance of hospitals. He warned that unregistered facilities will be shut down.
The minister also announced the launch of E-Kachehri, an online platform where citizens can directly share complaints with him and his team. He said immediate orders will be issued to resolve them.
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Kakar called the complaint cell a “revolutionary step” to bridge the gap between the public and the government. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to reforming healthcare and making it more responsive.
