Health workers boycott polio drive for salary

The protest of over 700 daily wage dengue workers and 75 sanitary patrol workers of the Multan Health Department (MHD) entered its seventh day on Monday, as they continued to demand the payment of their salaries and reinstatement after termination.

The workers allege that health department officials attempted to recruit the sacked dengue workers for an ongoing anti-polio campaign, offering them money as an incentive.

While a few, struggling with hunger, reluctantly accepted the offer, the majority of workers refused, announcing a boycott of the campaign in protest against their dismissal and unpaid wages.

On Monday morning, following a one-day break, the workers gathered outside the CEO Health Multan office. Their demonstration escalated into a road blockade and a sit-in.

Hundreds of female dengue workers also participated in the protest, drawing attention to the severe hardships they face.

The protesting workers criticized the department's attempts to lure them into the anti-polio drive with promises of meagre payments, describing the offer as a bid to exploit their financial struggles. They vowed not to participate in any health campaigns, including polio eradication efforts, until their jobs are reinstated and outstanding salaries paid.

"Our children are starving, and many female workers have fallen ill due to braving the severe cold for the past seven days," one protester lamented.

"We appeal to the chief minister of Punjab, as a woman and a mother, to understand our plight and ensure justice for us."

The protesters said they are determined to continue their sit-in until their demands are met, urging the provincial government to take immediate action to resolve the crisis and alleviate the suffering of their families.