QUETTA: The provincial health department has initiated disciplinary action against 13 doctors for not joining duty at a quarantine centre set up in Mastung for suspected coronavirus patients.

According to a letter, forwarded by the Balochistan health secretary to the chief secretary, 13 doctors deputed in different hospitals of Quetta were asked to join duty at the quarantine centre, but they failed to do so even after the passage of one week.

According to the health secretary, doctors were assigned duty at the quarantine centre in Mastung on March 8. The in-charge of the centre has reported that 13 doctors have not submitted their joining reports till date.

“In view of the said facts, it is proposed that disciplinary action against the doctors be initiated under the Balochistan Employees Deficiency and Discipline Act, 2011, and show-cause notices be served upon the delinquent officers,” the letter said.

In a related development, the provincial government has decided to close all administrative departments functioning within the premises of the Balochistan Civil Secretariat in Quetta and tehsil offices and revenue courts across the province.

The departments would stay closed till March 22 with immediate effect.

However, the services and general administration department, home and tribal affairs department, health department, finance department and planning and development depart­ment would continue to be functional as usual, the notification said.

The provincial government has also postponed all tests/interviews scheduled to be held across the province. All commissioners and deputy commissioners have been directed to restrict entry of unnecessary visitors to their divisional and district offices with immediate effect.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2020