Balochistan Dismisses 72 Doctors Under AI Attendance System Amid Staff Shortages

QUETTA: The Balochistan Health Department has dismissed 72 doctors from government service due to prolonged unauthorized absences, utilizing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based attendance system. This decision, made on Saturday, escalates the total number of dismissed health department employees to 200, as the provincial government intensifies efforts to ensure that medical staff adhere to their duty schedules.

The AI attendance system was introduced to combat chronic absenteeism among healthcare professionals, which has been a persistent issue affecting the quality of medical services in the province. An official notification confirmed the dismissals, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining a reliable healthcare workforce. “This system is crucial for improving accountability and service delivery in our hospitals,” stated a health department official.

The implications of these dismissals are significant for the healthcare sector in Balochistan, where medical staff shortages are already a pressing concern. The use of AI technology in monitoring attendance could set a precedent for other provinces, potentially reshaping how public sector employees are managed. Citizens have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the initiative for accountability while others worry about the impact on healthcare services.

Looking ahead, the Balochistan government plans to continue refining the AI attendance system and may introduce additional measures to address absenteeism. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in discussions about the future of healthcare staffing and the role of technology in public service.