Karachi, November 28, 2024 – Miandad Rahoojo, Commissioner of the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI), announced significant changes aimed at improving services for workers, particularly in the SITE area. Speaking during his visit to the SITE Association of Industry (SAI), Rahoojo detailed several key measures, including a revised mechanism for auditing registered units, an increase in the number of SESSI dispensaries, and plans to enhance healthcare facilities for workers.
Rahoojo stated that SESSI would now demand payment of worker contributions from the date of registration, and also highlighted changes in the auditing process for registered units. In an effort to streamline processes, he announced that before issuing a notice under Section 81, the registered units would be given an opportunity for arbitration at the Association’s office. If unresolved, a notice would be issued. He also warned that actions would be taken against officers conducting double visits within a year.
Addressing concerns raised by SAI members about the quality of healthcare at SESSI Valika Hospital, Rahoojo acknowledged dissatisfaction with the hospital’s current conditions and announced steps to improve services. Hospital Management Committees have been formed with financial authority up to PKR 50,000 per patient to expedite resolutions. He revealed that SESSI was working to procure high-quality medicines, clearly labeled “SESSI PROPERTY – NOT FOR SALE,” and to enhance consultant salaries to retain qualified professionals. Additionally, agreements with Jinnah Sindh Medical University and Dow University for laboratory tests in Karachi, as well as plans to establish model operation theatres at Valika and Landhi hospitals, are part of the ongoing improvements. A mammography machine is also being acquired for Valika Hospital, and new X-ray machines are awaiting approval from the Governing Body.
Rahoojo also shared exciting news about a new cancer hospital to be constructed adjacent to Valika Hospital, as well as plans to upgrade dispensaries in rural Sindh to full-fledged hospitals. He noted that an inquiry is underway regarding the misuse of the Mazdoor Card and suggested that linking the card with the family tree and the organization’s name could help resolve issues.
In response to member complaints about harassment by SESSI field staff and the misuse of powers by labor leaders, Rahoojo assured that measures would be taken to resolve these issues amicably. He also mentioned that SESSI’s 70% budget is allocated to healthcare services for registered workers. Despite challenges, SESSI’s hospitals continue to operate at full capacity, providing care to a large number of workers.
The meeting also saw several SAI members, including President Ahmed Azeem Alvi, voicing their support for the changes, while raising concerns about the quality of services provided and the need for better communication between SESSI and the employers. Suggestions for further improvements included creating a model hospital, starting with Valika, and freezing SESSI contribution payments for two years to support struggling industries.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Chairman Labour Committee, Muhammad Tahir Goreja.
