KARACHI, Aug 21: Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani on Monday paid a surprise visit to the health department offices and issued orders to the Saddar THO to leave charge immediately, besides issuing show-cause notice to other staff for absence from duty during the rains.

The minister visited Saddar Town office, Directorate Nursing, Sindh Medical Faculty, Reproductive Health Project Office and Women Health Project to inspect the attendance of the officials and staff.

During his surprise visit to the Saddar Town office, he ordered Saddar Town Health Officer Dr Noshin Kabir to leave charge and report at the health department. He also directed the Deputy Town Health Officer Dr Ishtiaque Ahmed to discharge duties of the THO till further orders.

The minister also issued show-cause notices to the Deputy Town Health Officer (Procurement) Dr Asif Abbas, Dr Wali Muhammad, Dr Abdul Hamid, town programme coordinator and town superintendent (vaccines), along with eight members of lower staff including ATH Kairunnisa, junior clerks Abdul Samad, Muhammad Istiaque, TSV Khuda Ahmed, Naib Qasids Muhammad Yousuf, Muhammad Shafi, watchman Muslim Khan and vaccinator Ziaul Haq.

He also issued orders to take departmental actions under Services Rules 2000, against Stenographer Muhammad Bukhsh, Office Assistant Ms Raana, Senior Clerk Ms Safia, Junior Clerk Muhammad Iqbal and driver Shaheen.

He also inspected the offices of Sindh Medical Faculty Reproductive Health and Women Health Project and inquired about the performance of staff. He also inspected the stock of medicines at the women health project’s office.

Speaking on the occasion, the health minister said rain emergency centres had been set up across the province. In this regard, he directed all the concerned staff of the health department, doctors and paramedical staff to remain on their duties.

Shabbir Qaimkhani made it clear that stern action would be taken against the absent officials and staff.—PPI