The Grand Health Alliance Balochistan (GHAB) today announced that it will convene an All-Parties Conference on January 1, 2024, at Sandeman Provincial Hospital in Quetta.
The conference aims to address pressing issues faced by the health sector in Balochistan, particularly policies that deny the province’s residents access to basic healthcare services and undermine the rights of Health Department employees.
Dr Bihar Shah, Chairman of GHAB, made the announcement in a statement, expressing strong opposition to recent government measures, including the introduction of public-private partnerships and the implementation of contract-based appointments within the healthcare system.
He criticized the government’s decision to privatize public hospitals, asserting that it would result in the deprivation of free healthcare for the poor and increase hospital costs, ultimately burdening the most vulnerable segments of society.
Additionally, Dr Shah raised concerns over the government’s contract policy, which he argued was violating the rights of health employees. He said that GHAB viewed those actions as harmful to the public and reaffirmed its commitment to opposing such policies. The purpose of the upcoming conference, according to Dr Shah, is to bring together political parties and social organizations from across the province to develop a united strategy against the “anti-people” policies.
“The conference is expected to serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future course of action aimed at safeguarding healthcare rights and protecting the interests of healthcare workers in Balochistan.”