SESSI seeks contribution from workers

Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) Commissioner Miandad Rahoojo has announced that SESSI will demand the contribution of workers from the date of their registration while the audit mechanism for registered units is also being changed.

He announced an increase in the number of SESSI dispensaries in the Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) area. During his visit to the SITE Association of Industry (SAI), Rahoojo stressed that prior to the issuance of notices under Section 81, the registered unit would be given a chance of arbitration at the association's office.

In case the matter remains unresolved at the facilitation desk, the notice will be served. He declared that action would be taken against the officers conducting double visits in a year. Replying to queries and complaints from SAI members about poor healthcare services at the SESSI Valika Hospital, the commissioner said he was also not satisfied with the prevailing conditions and services at the hospital.

To bring improvement to the affairs of the healthcare facility, a committee had been formed with financial powers of up to Rs50,000 per patient to resolve complaints expeditiously.

He mentioned that good-quality medicines were being arranged with a special packaging tag "SESSI property – not for sale". Also, salaries of consultants are being enhanced to match with those in the market and improve the retention ratio.

The SESSI commissioner announced the construction of a full-fledged cancer hospital on the land adjacent to Valika Hospital and the upgrading of many of interior Sindh's dispensaries.

He said that the Mazdoor Card was being misused and an inquiry into the matter was underway. He suggested that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) should link the family tree with the card chip and the organisation's name should be printed thereon.

"SESSI's 70% budget is spent on providing healthcare services to the registered workers. We have 4,400 employees to manage our services. Despite not-so-good services, our hospital beds are fully occupied," he added.