Lady health workers protest outside Sindh Assembly for job rights

Lady health workers stage protest outside Sindh Assembly demanding job regularization and benefits

KARACHI: The All Lady Health Workers Program Union staged a protest sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly, demanding the regularization of contract-based employees, pensions for retired workers, and the restoration of the original Lady Health Workers (LHW) Program structure.

Led by Union President Bushra Arain, alongside leaders Farhat Sultana, and Noor Fatima, the protest brought together LHWs from across Sindh in a unified call for long-overdue reforms.

A heavy police presence was deployed at the protest site to maintain order, as the sit-in continued peacefully.

“This program was founded by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Handing it over to PPHI undermines its original purpose,” said Bushra Arain, voicing strong opposition to transferring the Sindh LHW Program to the People's Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI).

Bushra Arain emphasized the following demands during the protest:

• Permanent employment status for all contract-based Lady Health Workers.
• Pensions and complete benefits for retired LHWs.
• Restoration of the original structure of the Lady Health Workers Program.
• Implementation of the Supreme Court's orders for service structure and upgradation.
• Promotion and upgradation of employees who have remained in the same grade for over 14 years.

A legacy of service, now fighting for justice

Lady Health Workers have long served as the backbone of Pakistan’s primary healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health, immunizations, and rural outreach. The program, initially launched by Benazir Bhutto, has empowered thousands of women and enhanced public health outcomes in underserved communities.

However, the protesters argue that years of policy neglect and structural changes threaten to undo these gains.

“We will not end this sit-in until the Sindh government passes the provincial budget and fulfills our demands,” declared Bushra Arain, vowing to continue the protest.

This sit-in reflects growing unrest among essential healthcare workers demanding not only financial justice, but also institutional recognition and protection of their constitutional employment rights.

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