QUETTA: The Balochistan government has imposed a ban on doctors of its health department, stopping them from working at private establishments during duty hours.

The provincial health department issued a notification on Friday, warning doctors of strict action if found violating the ban. “There will be a complete ban on private practice of doctors working in the health department from 8am to 2pm throughout the province,” the notification said.

Health Secretary Asmatullah Kakar said the ban was imposed in view of complaints by people against non-availability of doctors in hospitals. He said people criticised the doctors for practising in private clinics at a time when they were expected to be at government-run hospitals.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2017