QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday said that modern technology can help ensure the provision of medical services in remote areas and stressed the need to further expand the tele-health system across the province.

Chairing a review meeting on the health sector, he said the provincial government was making efforts to provide the best possible health facilities to people across Balochistan, particul­arly those living in far-flung areas.

The meeting discussed the expansion of tele-health facilities, implementation of the Public Model Health Plan in Upper Dera Bugti, and other related matters.

Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Reh­man Panizai and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Directs merit-based recruitment in hospitals of Dera Bugti and Sui

Health department officials briefed the meeting on the tele-health system in the province, the establishment of a Model Health District in Upper Dera Bugti and progress on its implementation.

The chief minister directed that recruitment of the required workforce in hospitals in Upper Dera Bugti and Sui must be carried out strictly on merit, stressing that no administrative or political pressure would be tolerated in the process.

He asked the officials to finalise administrative matters at the earliest to ensure quality healthcare facilities at the district level, enabling the public to receive timely and effective medical services. The meeting was also briefed on matters related to the Bacha Khan Memorial Hospital established in Zarghoon Housing Scheme, Quetta.

The chief minister said that improving basic health centres could provide quality healthcare services at people’s doorstep, which remains a top priority of the government. He added that the tele-health system across the province would be made more effective and functional, emphasising that a strong and efficient monitoring mechanism is essential to ensure transparency and maintain service quality.

Meanwhile, the CM also att­ended another meeting to review progress on the construction of the Rakhni-Bekar blacktop road, stating that delays in development projects would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The officials concerned brief­ed him on the ongoing work and progress of the project. The CM directed that the construction company, the superintending engineer, and the executive engineer must remain present at the site until completion to ensure speedy progress and maintain quality standards.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2026