Karachi: The Charter of Demands presented by Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Nepal, India and Pakistan urged governments and international agencies to respect, protect and promote their rights as workers.
In a press conference held in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, community health workers from Nepal, India and Pakistan presented the Charter of Demand and the representative women of the three countries shared their observations regarding the challenges faced by women public health workers, official recognition, fair wages and benefits. And shared experiences. Journalists from all three countries participated online in the live press conference.
“Community health workers don’t even get basic benefits that are available to public sector employees.”
The Charter of Demand for Community Health Workers was supported by the Global Union Federation, Public Services International and the International Labor Organization, stating that community health workers are not considered employees and do not receive the basic benefits that public sector workers receive. For employees eg
Maternity leave, sick leave, overtime payment, pension etc. and in most cases they are also denied wages while in many places they do not get honors and benefits.
We are working without proper recognition or minimum wage, the Nepalese delegate
On this occasion, a community health worker from Nepal informed about the problems faced by women public health workers. “Our work is essential to the health and well-being of our communities, yet we are working without proper recognition or minimum wages,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of the Charter of Demand, he said, “Our charter calls for payment equal to or higher than the prevailing minimum wage and to negotiate with our unions in this regard.”
The charter also calls for overtime pay, job security, pensions and health care just like other workers, he added.
Community health workers should be included in decision-making, Indian delegates
Sognia Balasaresh, a community health worker from India, called for the inclusion of women public health workers in the decision-making process.
He said that we know the facts on the ground, we are their experts, our voice should be heard in the formulation of health policies, the charter calls for representation of CHWs in national policy committees.
He said that we are not only workers; We are essential to the health of our nations.
Harassment and discrimination against community health workers must stop, Pakistani delegate
During a press conference held in Kathmandu, Chairperson of Punjab Ladies Health Workers Union, Pakistan, Iram Fatima, called for an end to harassment and discrimination against community health workers, saying that our charter of demand urges governments to do their work. Create a safe environment, establish grievance committees and initiate public education projects.
He said that decent working conditions, working hours and paid leave in case of sickness and compulsory maternity leave are among the fundamental rights, our welfare is important and we deserve the right to care.
Governments of Nepal, India and Pakistan Consider Charter of Demands for Community Health Workers, Public Services International
On this occasion, Public Services International’s Sub-Regional Secretary for South Asia Kannan Raman said that community health workers, as the unsung heroes on the frontline, play an important role in health education, surveillance, and vaccination programs and fulfill their duties. Meanwhile, they play a key role in creating awareness among the general public about government policies and schemes.
He emphasized the importance of community health workers and said that they are the backbone of improving maternal and child mortality rates in all countries. and their tireless work during the Corona epidemic cannot be ignored at all.
Kannan Raman said that community health workers are sadly underappreciated despite their valuable services, often facing inadequate safety measures, lack of support and meager wages.
He hoped that the governments of Nepal, India and Pakistan would consider the Charter of Demands of Community Health Workers and improve their conditions.
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