PESHAWAR
Lady Health Workers on Monday threatened to go on a strike if the provincial government failed to announce upgradation for them.
Addressing a press conference here at Peshawar Press Club (PPC), Akhtar Bibi, president of the Shaheen Union of Lady Health Workers, demanded the immediate upgradation of all LHWs to Scale 9, with further promotions to Scale 15 based on seniority through an established service structure.
She and the representatives of the union also urged the KP government to grant permanent status to the Integrated Health Project and to ensure that convalescent allowances are provided to all LHW across the province, not just in the 19 districts currently receiving them.
She stated that while LHWs were on the frontline in the fight against militancy and disease, they continue to face severe economic hardship. “Since 2012, we have remained in Scale 5, despite providing critical services across the province. From administering polio drops in high-risk areas during rain, storms, and earthquakes to being at the forefront of every health emergency, our dedication has never wavered,” she said.
Akhtar Bibi emphasized that LHWs were among the most underpaid segments of the health workforce, despite their vital role.
“Inflation has rendered our salaries insufficient, and our legitimate demands have been ignored for years. Repeated protests have led only to broken promises,” she added.
Provincial President Rafasit Qamar and General Secretary Naeema Bibi Ishrat Malik echoed these concerns, saying, “In this scorching heat, we are compelled to leave our homes once again, not for political gain but to fight for our rightful demands. Despite written assurances, the government has failed to act.”
They also highlighted the unjust practice of replacing dismissed LHWs with Class-IV employees, calling it disrespectful and counterproductive.
“We risk our lives in tribal and high-risk areas, often under the threat of violence, yet our sacrifices go unrecognized. When awards are distributed, others are favored, and we are overlooked,” they lamented.
They warned that if their demands are not met, they will intensify their protest. “We are labeled as uneducated, but we are the ones delivering healthcare from door to door. It is not ignorance but injustice that we are fighting against.”
The LHWs called on the provincial government to honor its commitments and provide long-overdue recognition and support to this critical segment of the healthcare workforce.
