KARACHI: Sindh Caretaker Minister of Health, Dr Saad Niaz, has come under scrutiny for purportedly failing to enhance the performance of health facilities under his jurisdiction and also for his alleged derogatory remarks against the chief minister of the province.
The caretaker chief minister, retired Justice Maqbool Baqar, expressed disappointment, noting that Dr Niaz was offended when held accountable.
In response to what was termed "irresponsible and baseless statements" by the caretaker health minister, a statement was issued from the CM House/Secretariat seeking to clarify the situation. The statement says the Caretaker CM undertook visits to various offices, schools, and health facilities with the aim of improving their performance.
It says that concerned about the subpar condition of health facilities, the CM convened four meetings to assess their performance, paralleling similar reviews of schools, colleges, and revenue offices. However, the health minister had three review meetings for his department canceled. Even when the fourth meeting took place, Dr Niaz did not attend, raising questions about his commitment to evaluation, the statement adds.
The CM Secretariat alleges that the health minister sought to appoint his preferred health secretary to advance personal motives rather than focusing on improving health facility performance.
Dr Niaz is also accused of diverting his attention and energy towards settling “personal scores” with colleagues, including doctors and professors, and not sparing criticism even of the prestigious Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SUIT).
The statement expresses concern about the deplorable language used by the minister against Justice (R ) Maqbool Baqar, terming it beyond comprehension and shocking.
It also highlights the caretaker CM’s commitment to improving health facilities for the benefit of the province's citizens. Despite supporting ministers and their departments, the CM asserts that necessary instructions would be issued for efficient performance, reflecting a firm belief in the rule of law, constitution, transparency, and accountability.
It also underscores that in the public interest, the caretaker chief minister will spare no minister, secretary, or official found inefficient or faltering in their duty.
