400+ Staff at Karachi’s Children’s Hospital Without Salary for 4 Months
Over 400 employees at the Sindh Government Children’s Hospital in Karachi have reportedly not received their salaries for the past four months, raising serious concerns over staff welfare and healthcare service delivery. Staff members have warned of protests if payments are not cleared by August.
🏥 Delays Blamed on Budget Processing
The hospital is operated under a public-private partnership and has faced repeated delays in salary disbursement since its management was handed over to an NGO in 2016. Administrators confirmed the ongoing delay, explaining that the hospital’s budget is still being processed, but assured that salaries will be released next month once funding is approved.
🏗️ Hospital Background & Challenges
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Inaugurated in 2004 as a 50-bed facility by the Sindh Health Department.
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Expanded in 2013 with the help of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
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Receives Rs. 100 million annually in provincial grants for extended services.
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Transferred to NGO management in 2016, with a boosted annual budget of Rs. 440 million.
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Partnership agreement extends until October 2026.
Despite the financial support and infrastructure expansion, the hospital has struggled to maintain consistent healthcare services. It has faced:
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At least 10 staff strikes since 2016.
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Several temporary service shutdowns.
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No major pediatric surgeries performed.
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Frequent referrals of serious cases to NICH or Civil Hospital Karachi.
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👨⚕️ 👩⚕️ Staff & Service Concerns Continue
The hospital currently employs:
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300+ staff hired under the NGO’s management.
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65 government employees, including the Medical Superintendent.
Parents, like Rabia, who recently brought her child to the facility, expressed concern that children with serious health conditions are routinely referred to other hospitals due to a lack of surgical infrastructure at the site.
🏥 Healthcare at Risk Without Timely Payments
The situation highlights broader issues in Pakistan’s public-private healthcare partnerships. Despite being located on a 16-acre facility and having access to significant public funds, the hospital continues to struggle with financial management, directly affecting staff morale and patient care.
Stay tuned for more updates on public health, hospital reforms, and staff welfare issues across Pakistan.
