SESSI to implement new contribution mechanism, expand healthcare services

KARACHI: Commissioner of Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) Miandad Rahoojo announced that SESSI will require workers’ contribution payments to begin from the date of their registration. He also revealed that the mechanism for auditing registered units is being revamped.

While addressing members of the SITE Association of Industry during his visit, Rahoojo also announced plans to increase the number of SESSI dispensaries in the SITE area. He said that before issuing a notice under Section 81, registered units would be given an opportunity for arbitration at the association’s office. If the issue remains unresolved at the Facilitation Desk, the notice will be served. Rahoojo also said that action would be taken against officers who conduct double visits in a year.

In response to members’ complaints regarding the poor healthcare services at SESSI Valika Hospital, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the current conditions and services. To address this, hospital management committees have been formed with financial authority of up to Rs50,000 per patient to expedite resolution of issues.

He further emphasised that high-quality medicines, marked with ‘SESSI PROPERTY – NOT FOR SALE’, are being procured. Salaries of consultants are being increased to align with market demand and improve retention. Efforts are also underway to construct model operation theatres at SESSI Valika and Landhi hospitals. Agreements have been signed with Jinnah Sindh Medical University and Dow University for laboratory tests in Karachi. The provision of new X-ray machines is awaiting approval from the Governing Body, and a mammography machine is also being procured for Valika Hospital.

Rahoojo also announced plans to build a fully equipped cancer hospital on land adjacent to Valika Hospital and to upgrade several dispensaries in interior Sindh to full hospitals. He noted that an inquiry is underway regarding the misuse of the Mazdoor Card and suggested that NADRA link the family tree to the card’s chip and print the organisation’s name on it.

“Seventy percent of SESSI’s budget is allocated to providing healthcare services to registered workers. We have 4,400 employees managing our services. Despite the challenges, our hospital beds are fully occupied,” he concluded.