Hundreds of lady health workers in Hyderabad staged a sit-in protest on Monday, demanding payment of six months' overdue salaries and regularization of their services. The protest, organized by the Lady Health Workers Association, disrupted health services at several basic health units (BHUs) in the district.
Protest Details
The sit-in was held outside the office of the District Health Officer (DHO) in Hyderabad. According to the association's president, Ms. Zubaida Khatoon, around 500 lady health workers participated in the protest. They chanted slogans and held placards demanding immediate payment of their pending salaries and permanent employment status.
"We have not been paid for six months, and our families are suffering. We cannot continue to work under these conditions," said Ms. Khatoon. She added that the health workers had previously submitted multiple applications to the health department, but no action was taken.
Impact on Health Services
The protest led to the closure of several BHUs in the district, affecting primary healthcare services for the local population. Lady health workers are responsible for providing basic medical care, family planning services, and health education in rural and peri-urban areas. The disruption has raised concerns about the health of vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.
A patient at a BHU in Latifabad, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "We rely on these health workers for basic medicines and check-ups. Without them, we have nowhere to go."
Demands and Government Response
The lady health workers have three main demands: immediate payment of six months' salary arrears, regularization of their services, and provision of necessary medical supplies and equipment. They have threatened to continue the protest until their demands are met.
District Health Officer Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan said that he had forwarded the workers' demands to the provincial health department. "We understand their grievances and are working to resolve the issue. However, the release of funds is pending from the higher authorities," he stated.
The protest is part of a broader movement by lady health workers across Sindh province, who have been struggling for better pay and working conditions. Similar protests have been reported in other districts, including Karachi and Sukkur.
Background
Lady health workers are a crucial part of Pakistan's primary healthcare system, especially in rural areas. They are employed on a contractual basis and often face delays in salary payments. According to a 2023 report by the Pakistan Medical Association, there are over 100,000 lady health workers in the country, serving approximately 60% of the population.
