Mines Labour Federation meets Mir Shoaib Nausherwani; minister angry at absent hospital staff

QUETTA: A delegation of the Pakistan Mines Labour Federation held an important meeting with Provincial Minister for Finance and Mines Mir Shoaib Nausherwani. The problems, concerns and various demands of miners across Balochistan were discussed in detail.

The delegation told the provincial minister about the difficulties faced by mine workers, their welfare, medical facilities, safety measures and other basic problems. Mir Shoaib Nausherwani assured them that all genuine problems of miners would be resolved on a priority basis. He said practical steps would be taken together with the relevant officials of the Mines Department and the Finance Department.

Anger over absence from mines hospitals

The provincial minister expressed strong displeasure over the absence of medical staff from duty at mines hospitals in Kachhi and other Districts. He directed the Mines Department to keep all mines hospitals functional. He also directed that reports on the daily attendance of hospitals and medical staff be sent regularly to the provincial minister’s office.

He also ordered that all ambulances be kept functional and present near mine sites at all times. This is so that injured miners can receive immediate medical aid and timely rescue in any accident or emergency. Mir Shoaib Nausherwani made it clear that no negligence would be tolerated in the welfare, health and safety of mine workers. He directed the relevant officials to ensure continuous monitoring of these measures.

Decision to send Workers Welfare Fund summary to Chief Minister

There was also important progress at the meeting on the Mines Welfare Fund. It was decided that, in consultation with the Finance Department, a comprehensive summary on the grant and release of funds for the Workers Welfare Fund would be prepared. It will be sent to the Chief Minister Balochistan for approval.

Directing that the mines rescue system be made more effective, the provincial minister said more skilled rescue personnel with modern training would be recruited on a contract basis. They would rescue trapped or injured miners safely and quickly. To improve the professional skills of rescue staff, they would also be given high-level scientific and modern training at leading and standard training institutions in the country. This is so that precious human lives can be saved in time in the event of mine accidents.

Mir Shoaib Nausherwani expressed the resolve that all available resources would be used for the rights, welfare and protection of life and property of miners. He said safety and welfare measures in the mines sector would be made more effective.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan