AI-based attendance system leads to dismissal of 72 doctors in Balochistan

Quetta, Saturday: The Balochistan Health Department has dismissed 72 doctors from government service due to chronic absence from duty. This disciplinary action was taken under an artificial intelligence (AI)-based attendance system implemented by the provincial government to ensure regular reporting of medical staff. According to a notification issued by the Balochistan health secretary, the doctors in question were BPS-17 and BPS-18 officers who were dismissed immediately for unauthorized absence from government duties.

The orders came into effect immediately, as stated in the notification. With this dismissal, the total number of employees terminated from the Health Department has now reached 200. The Health Department revealed that Rs410 million has been deducted from employees' salaries so far due to absenteeism. Notices have been issued to 11,000 employees, demanding explanations for violations of attendance and disciplinary rules.

Departmental actions are underway against an additional 800 employees. Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar stated that the dismissed doctors had been repeatedly given notices to report for duty, but they had failed to respond. Their persistent absence and refusal to address these notices led the government to take this action.

Kakar emphasized the Health Department's zero-tolerance policy towards absenteeism and negligence among medical staff and doctors. He assured that the department is striving to provide the best healthcare services to people at their doorstep. Reforms are being implemented to enhance the performance of the provincial Health Department, as directed by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

The Health Department is currently monitoring staff attendance at government hospitals and health centers using an AI-based attendance system.