KARACHI: Lady Health Workers (LHWs) staged a protest in Karachi, raising concerns over a reported 75% cut in the operational budget of the Sindh Lady Health Workers Programme.
Representatives of the All Lady Health Workers Programme Union said the reduction was affecting essential resources, including medicines, health kits and supervisory support. They warned that continued cuts could weaken a programme that provides basic healthcare services to communities across Sindh.
Union leaders said Lady Health Workers perform important duties including maternal and child healthcare, polio vaccination, family-planning counselling and nutrition awareness, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.
They also expressed concern over the programme’s staffing situation, saying the number of LHWs in Sindh has fallen from more than 24,000 to over 17,000, while large parts of the province remain without adequate coverage.
The workers have demanded adequate funding, protection of the programme’s original structure, improved service conditions and continued government support. They have warned of further protests if their concerns are not addressed.
