Quetta: The Government of Balochistan has taken a major policy decision by officially ending all contract and ad hoc appointments in the Health Department, paving the way for regular recruitment through the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC).
According to an official notification issued by the Under Secretary of the Health Department, contract-based appointments of Assistant Professors, Senior Registrars, and Specialists will be discontinued across the province. The notification clearly states that once regular officers selected through BPSC are appointed, the services of existing contract doctors will automatically come to an end.
The decision applies to doctors working on contract in BPS-17 and BPS-18, and no further extensions of such appointments will be allowed. The Health Department has emphasized that future postings will be considered regular by default, effectively closing the door on new contract or ad hoc hiring practices in the department.
Officials said the move aims to bring long-term stability, transparency, and merit-based recruitment into the provincial healthcare system. By ensuring that qualified doctors are appointed through BPSC, the government hopes to improve service delivery and strengthen public health institutions across Balochistan.
The notification further mentions that the department will consider sympathetic adjustment options for current contract employees, indicating that their experience and service record may be taken into account during the transition process. However, no clear mechanism has been outlined yet for these adjustments.
The Health Department has also ordered immediate implementation of the decision, directing all concerned institutions and administrative heads to comply without delay.
This landmark decision is being viewed as a significant reform in the health sector, particularly at a time when Balochistan faces acute shortages of qualified medical professionals. Analysts believe that regular appointments will not only boost doctors’ job security but also enhance accountability and continuity in healthcare services.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among contract doctors, with many welcoming the promise of a transparent system, while others express concern over their job security. Further clarifications from the government are expected in the coming days regarding the adjustment policy for existing contract staff.
