A list has been compiled to address the issue of doctors holding multiple positions with additional charges within the health department. This move comes following an announcement made by the Health Minister last month, indicating a need to streamline the allocation of responsibilities among healthcare professionals.
According to sources within the health department, while some doctors remain without assignments, others are simultaneously occupying multiple significant roles. This situation has prompted concerns about the effective utilization of human resources and the equitable distribution of workload.
For instance, Dr. Shaukat Ali, the Director General of Health Services, is currently serving as the Project Director of Timurgarh Medical College, Provincial Coordinator of the Lady Health Workers Program, Additional Director General of Malakand Division, and the project director of the National Health Support Program. Similarly, Dr. Irshad Ali Roghani, holding the position of District Health Officer in Dir Lower, has been assigned additional duties such as Director of Public Health and Director of the Integrated Vector Control Program.
Furthermore, several other doctors have been tasked with multiple roles, leading to concerns about their ability to effectively fulfill their primary responsibilities. These additional appointments are reportedly made at the direction of the Health Secretary, as only the Secretary has the authority to appoint individuals to positions at scale 17 and above.
The situation has raised questions about the legality and practicality of individuals holding multiple positions simultaneously. Efforts are underway to address this issue and streamline the allocation of responsibilities, with some doctors expressing willingness to relinquish one of their roles to focus on their core duties.
It is crucial for the health department to ensure that doctors are assigned roles commensurate with their expertise and capacity, while also optimizing the utilization of available resources to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.
