Police arrested 70 protesting Community Health Workers, Nurses, paramedics and doctors including Shamim Ara, the General Secretary of PSI’s affiliate, All Sindh Lady Health Workers & Employees Union (ASLHWEU) on 11 November.

The police used water canons, tear gas and batons against the health workers who were protesting in front of the Sindh Government Offices. All women were released in the early morning of November 12 while 12 doctors and paramedics were kept in custody until Sunday, November 13 when a Magistrate ordered their release.

PSI condemns the brutal attack on the health workers and demand that the Government of Pakistan respond to the reasonable requests of health workers, restore their allowance and engage in social dialogue.

ASLHWEU is a member of the Grand Health Alliance (GHA) who are campaigning for better working conditions and demanding the health risk allowance be restored as part of their salaries. With no response from the provincial government, the workers began to march towards the Chief Ministers House. A strong police force was deployed using excessive force to prevent the health workers from exercising their rights to freedom of assembly.

Public Services International (PSI) condemns the brutal attack on the health workers and demand that the Government of Pakistan respond to the reasonable requests of health workers, restore their allowance and engage in social dialogue.

Health workers in Pakistan have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and have continued to provide critical health services throughout the devastating recent floods.

PSI and our 692 affiliates in 152 countries, stand in solidarity with ASLHWU & the GHA and will continue to support their struggle.

More information: https://www.dawn.com/news/1720327