Regularization of LHWs' services: SC seeks reports from federal government, others

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought reports from the federal government, four provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir government regarding regularization of lady health workers' services and their pay structure. The court also directed Coordinator Health Sindh Dr Zulfiqar Dharijo to file affidavit within one week over allegations to call lady health workers (LHWs) on duties after the office hours. Bushra Arain alleged that in Sindh, LHWs are called on duties at night.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard suo motu regarding making the job of lady health worker permanent. At the start of the proceedings, the petitioner Bushra Arain informed the court that its orders regarding the job of lady health workers making permanent have not been followed despite passing several months, adding that they are not being given privileges.

Upon that Justice Gulzar Ahmed questioned what work the leady health workers have to do at night, to which Dr Zulfiqar told the court that there is no such thing and court can do inquiry into the issue. Justice Gulzar pointing to a health officer present in the court said, "We will register an FIR after suspending you and then will carry out inquiry of the matter."

Later the court asked to submit a detailed report regarding making the job of lady health worker permanent and about their service structure and pay scale from the federal government, all four provinces and AJK government. The court also summoned Coordinator Sindh Dr Zulfiqar Dharrejo over allegations of calling the lady health workers at night after their duty timings. The case was adjourned for two weeks.