KARACHI: Lady health workers (LHWs) representatives have issued a stark warning, vowing to stage demonstrations across Sindh if the government does not reverse a 75% reduction in the LHW program’s operational budget and increase financial support.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, members of the All Lady Health Workers Programme Union (ALHWPU) announced plans for a protest in Karachi next week.
The ALHWPU chairperson, Bushra Arian, alongside her colleagues, emphasized that the program, initiated by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto over three decades ago, is under threat due to the budget cuts.
“This is not just another government initiative but a legacy started by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto,” Arian stated, committing to safeguard the program’s existence.
PPP government accused of trying to close an initiative launched by Benazir Bhutto
Detailing the challenges, Arian explained that the budget was first slashed by 75%, and the remaining funds were redirected to a private entity yet to form its governing board. As a result, LHWs lack essential medical supplies and medicines, while supervisors are without fuel, paralyzing administrative tasks and leaving insufficient resources for salaries.
She also noted that the program’s historical name was removed from the budget documents, signaling a shift toward outsourcing or privatization.
“These actions contravene the 2013 Supreme Court order that regularized over 105,000 LHWs in the province, as well as last year’s government commitments following their sit-ins,” Arian added.
“The consequences will affect not only the workers but also Sindh’s impoverished population if the program’s identity, structure, and funding are dismantled,” she warned, expressing disappointment that the provincial government has never fully recognized the LHWs’ contributions despite their dedicated service.
“We operate in emergencies like floods and remote, high-risk areas, providing maternal-child healthcare, polio vaccinations, family planning, and nutrition counseling,” Arian said.
Unlike Punjab, where LHWs were upgraded to Grade 16 positions, Sindh’s workers have not received such advancements, violating the program’s original structure.
“Our strength has dropped from over 24,000 to 17,000+ in Sindh, with no new appointments in years. Approximately 60% of the province now lacks LHWs,” Arian highlighted.
Activists Farhat Parveen and Mirza Maqsood also participated in the discussion.
Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2026
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