SUKKUR: The Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench has declared Secretary Health Sindh Rehan Iqbal Baloch incompetent to hold office, citing gross negligence, corruption, and administrative failure that have paralyzed the province’s health sector.
The two-member bench, headed by Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Riazat Ali Sahar, issued the remarks while hearing a constitutional petition related to the establishment of Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) units in every taluka of Sindh.
The court noted that the incumbent Secretary Health neither has a background in medicine nor prior experience with the working or administrative framework of the Health Department. It observed that it is a matter of grave concern that such a vital department is being run by an officer lacking the technical knowledge and understanding essential for public health governance.
The order stated that the Secretary Health Sindh is not a suitable or competent individual to hold such a sensitive and pivotal position, especially one that directly concerns the health and well-being of citizens.
The bench also highlighted massive corruption and administrative irregularities in the department, noting that projects funded by the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank — including the 1000 Days Integrated Health and Population Project — have been marred by mismanagement and negligence. Despite three years passing, no tangible progress has been made.
The court observed that under the current leadership, the Health Department has failed to address medicine shortages, absenteeism of doctors, and lack of cardiac emergency units in most talukas. It also noted that kickbacks, delayed procurement, and withheld patient files have become common practices, resulting in public suffering and resurgence of diseases such as polio.
The court issued strict directions to the Sindh Government to immediately reform the department and ensure transparency and accountability. It ordered the government to:
Constitute a high-level oversight committee to monitor progress and ensure equitable distribution of facilities.
Conduct a third-party audit of health budgets and procurements for the past five years.
Implement biometric attendance in all hospitals and take action against doctors running private clinics during duty hours.
Ensure provision of essential medical equipment and cardiac emergency facilities within 60 days.
Recruit qualified doctors and specialists through a transparent merit-based process.
The court reaffirmed that the right to health is a fundamental part of the right to life under Article 9 of the Constitution, reminding the Sindh Government of its constitutional duty to protect public welfare and provide healthcare access to all citizens.
The bench warned that failure to comply with these directives will result in personal liability for the Chief Secretary Sindh, Secretary Health, and Director General Health Services Sindh.
