121 ghost doctors exposed in Kashmore: hospitals abandoned, citizens suffer

Ghost doctors' crisis in Kashmore leaves hospitals empty and patients helpless

KASHMORE, SINDH: A severe healthcare crisis has emerged in Kashmore district as 121 ghost doctors and lady doctors remain absent from duty across key public hospitals, including Civil Hospital Kandhkot, Tangwani, and Ghouspur. This widespread absenteeism has left outpatient departments (OPDs) deserted and thousands of residents without access to basic medical care.

According to official sources, the District Health Officer (DHO) Kashmore has issued show-cause notices to the absentee doctors for the fourth time, yet no responses have been received. The doctors’ persistent absence and blatant disregard for official warnings have sparked public outrage and raised serious concerns about health sector governance and accountability in the region.

Despite multiple written warnings, no corrective action has been taken by the concerned authorities. A committee report, initiated by the Secretary Health and Director Larkana, remains unpublished, further compounding suspicions of administrative neglect and systemic protection of ghost employees.

Adding to the frustration, the Deputy Commissioner of Kashmore had recommended the suspension of salaries for all 121 absent doctors, but this has not been implemented to date.

Public health at risk

The absence of such a large number of medical professionals has had a devastating impact on healthcare delivery, with OPDs in government hospitals left non-functional. Citizens, especially in rural and underserved areas, are struggling to find treatment for even routine ailments.

This incident highlights:

• Lack of accountability in the Sindh health department
• Systemic failure to enforce duty attendance
• Potential misuse of public funds allocated for ghost employees
• Urgent need for administrative reform and oversight

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