Defying the scorching heat, Lady Health Workers (LHWs) from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa staged a protest at Peshawar’s Assembly Chowk on Wednesday, demanding immediate upgradation of their posts and restoration of their service structure. A large contingent of women healthcare workers gathered at the site, chanting slogans and holding placards to highlight their longstanding grievances.
The protesters emphasized their critical role in Pakistan’s healthcare system, particularly during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic and polio eradication campaigns. Despite their frontline contributions, they lamented that successive governments have ignored their demands for better pay scales, job security, and conveyance allowances.
“We risk our lives serving communities, yet our basic rights are denied,” said one protester. The LHWs warned that their demonstrations would intensify if the provincial government fails to address their demands promptly, including salary increases and formal recognition of their service structure. The protest reflects growing discontent among Pakistan’s frontline lady health workers, who continue to work under challenging conditions without commensurate benefits.
Also read: LHWs threaten to boycott anti-polio drive over non-payment of salaries
