Sindh Children’s Hospital Staff Unpaid for Four Months

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Over 400 employees at the Sindh Government Children’s Hospital in Karachi have not received their salaries for four months, prompting threats of protests if payments are not made promptly. This report examines the ongoing crisis, its impact on hospital staff and patients, and the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s healthcare system.

The Sindh Government Children’s Hospital, situated near Nagan Chowrangi in Karachi, has experienced financial difficulties since its transition to a public-private partnership in 2016. According to The Express Tribune on July 25, 2025, more than 400 staff members, including doctors, nurses, and support personnel, remain unpaid. Hospital administrators confirmed the delay but stated that the necessary funds are in process and expected to be disbursed by August. Staff members have warned of potential demonstrations should the salary arrears continue, reflecting their mounting frustration amid financial hardship. This is not the first such occurrence; since its establishment in 2004, the hospital has witnessed multiple strikes and temporary closures due to recurring budget deficits.

Inaugurated in 2004 by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the hospital was envisioned as a 50-bed pediatric care center spread over 16 acres. However, its management by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has contributed to persistent underfunding. Of the hospital’s 365 employees, approximately 300 are employed under the NGO’s administration, while 65, including the Medical Superintendent, remain under the Sindh Health Department. Parents, such as Rabia quoted in The Express Tribune, expressed concern that children with complex medical conditions are frequently referred to the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) or Civil Hospital Karachi due to the lack of adequate surgical facilities at the hospital. Currently, the hospital primarily treats common illnesses, falling short of its original mandate.

This financial crisis highlights deeper systemic problems within Pakistan’s healthcare sector, where mismanagement and bureaucratic delays threaten the delivery of essential medical services. The provincial government’s delay in releasing funds reflects a concerning lapse in commitment to public health, leaving hospital staff under financial strain and compromising patient care. As Pakistan continues to pursue development goals, ensuring stable and timely funding for key health institutions like Sindh Government Children’s Hospital is essential. The wellbeing of healthcare workers and vulnerable children must not be compromised by administrative shortcomings.