SAHIWAL: Three officials of the chief executive officer (health) were transferred on Monday after around four dozens lady health workers (LHW) staged a protest demonstration against alleged harassment by them.

The LHWs alleged that clerk Imran, senior clerk Ramzan Bhatti and driver Shakeel of the CEO’s office were continuously harassing their colleagues and extorting money from them.

The LHWs told the media that on May 18, Bhatti and Imran had snatched purse of their colleague Nasreen Bhatti and locked her in a room for three hours. They were led by Nasreen Gill, president of an association working for the LHWs rights. They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the health officials and the subordinate staff. They were chanting slogans against the CEO office staff and alleged that Shakeel driver on behalf of CEO also blackmailed the LHWs.

The protesters registered their complaint with the CEO but he did not take any action on their complaint. They demanded the secretary health to hold an enquiry into the issue of harassment at the CEO’s office and transfer its three staff members.

Sources said Pakpattan Deputy Commissioner Raja Mansoor Ahmed took notice of the LHWs’ protest and asked CEO (health) Dr Sirajuddin to look into the matter.

Later in the evening, the CEO health issued transfer orders of three staff members, namely driver Shakeel, Ramzan and Imran. Dr Siraj confirmed that Imran was transferred to Rural Health Centre Malka Hans while Ramzan and Shakeel were on additional duties at his office and both were sent back to their original posts.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2018