More than 400 daily-wage workers at Ayub Medical Complex (AMC) went on strike on Friday against the non-payment of their salaries and termination orders by the provincial government.
They boycotted their duties and vowed to continue their strike until their demands are fulfilled. However, the emergency and outpatient department (OPD) and indoor health facilities remained unhindered during the strike.
According to AMC authorities, the provincial government had decided to terminate the services of all daily wage employees from July 15. These employees include over 300 paramedical staff and 50 women, who had been working in the hospital for several years. However, despite repeated requests and protests, the government had not regularised their services. The employees also complained they had not been given their salaries since last month.
The protesters gathered outside the office of AMC Chief Executive Dr Ziaur Rehman and chanted slogans against the provincial government and AMC authorities, demanding regularisation of their services and payment of their salaries. A heavy contingent of police was also deployed to deal with any untoward situation.
Rehman, while talking to the protesters, expressed his solidarity and informed them that the government had not transferred funds to the AMC, due to which the complex was facing a financial crisis. He assured that their salaries would be paid as soon as the funds are transferred to the AMC.
He expressed his inability to regularise their services. However, he said he would take the matter up with the provincial health secretary.
After the assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully. However they said they will continue their strike in case their demands are not addressed in a timely manner.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2011.
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