KP health dept to Install CCTV cameras in public offices

PESHAWAR: In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department announced on Wednesday the installation of CCTV cameras at all public dealing offices in the province.

The decision was taken in a departmental review meeting in Peshawar, where the health officials decided to improve oversight and enhance the monitoring of staff conduct and office affairs.

The move would start with the installation of cameras in Medical Superintendents’ and District Health Officers’ offices, said Advisor to the Health Department, Ehtesham Ali.

Besides, CCTV cameras will also be installed in the Health Department Secretariat and all directorates within 15 days.

This action is in line with our larger initiative to introduce transparency into the system and provide accountability at all levels,” said Ehtesham Ali. “We are determined to uphold professional standards and people’s faith in healthcare governance.

The conference also yielded an important policy choice when it came to appointments to administrative posts. All such appointments henceforth will be done in a merit-based and transparent manner.

A placement committee will shortlist three persons for each vacancy, and the selections will be made by final interview after thorough interviews.

Ehtesham Ali emphasized that political suggestions or outside pressure will not be entertained in the recruitment process. “We are making every effort to implement merit and transparency in the department, and these decisions will be implemented strictly,” he added.

The decision has been hailed across the board as a measure towards reformation of the public healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which had long been plagued by charges of inefficiency and lack of accountability.