Special polio eradication campaign: Private daily wagers being preferred over permanent health employees

JHANG: Health officials in Jhang are facing allegations of preferential treatment towards private daily wagers over permanent health employees during the special polio eradication campaign.

Official sources revealed that a significant number of trained health employees, including male and female staff, were already posted at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) in the district. They were actively involved in the recent anti-polio registration process for children under five.

Despite their qualifications and experience, the health employees were reportedly overlooked in favour of daily wagers for the anti-polio drive. This decision has led to discontent among the permanent staff, who claim to have missed honoraria and payments due to their involvement in the registration process.

When contacted, the District Polio Eradication Committee chairman, after consulting with the CEO Health, acknowledged that both private daily wagers and permanent health employees were participating in the campaign. However, he assured that in future drives, permanent staff would be prioritised, and administrative officers would be assigned to monitor the performance of local health administrators.