KARACHI: Fresh controversy has surfaced in Sindh’s health department amid allegations that wives of senior bureaucrats are being favoured for influential hospital administrative positions, while senior and qualified doctors of the Health Management Cadre (HMC) continue to be ignored.
Sources within the department claimed that several key posts, including Medical Superintendent (MS) and District Health Officer (DHO), have recently been given to junior Grade-19 doctors from non-management cadres, despite the availability of senior HMC officers who were specifically trained and designated for administrative responsibilities.
The latest debate reportedly centers around Services Hospital Karachi, where competition for the post of Medical Superintendent allegedly involved junior doctors linked to serving senior government officials. Sources said one candidate has already secured the position, while another is now being considered for heading a separate public hospital.
Health officials said the situation raises serious questions over merit, transparency, and compliance with the spirit of Sindh High Court directions under which the Health Management Cadre was established to place qualified management professionals on administrative posts in hospitals and health institutions.
They further pointed out that some hospital head positions carry Grade-20 status, yet several senior officers remain without appropriate postings, while junior candidates allegedly continue to receive preference through influence.
Doctors’ circles have termed the matter a test case for governance in Sindh’s health sector, warning that continued disregard for merit may damage morale, weaken institutional efficiency, and erode trust in the appointment system.
Stakeholders have urged Sindh Health Minister and senior authorities to take immediate notice, review recent appointments, and ensure that all postings are made strictly on merit, seniority, and relevant cadre rules.
