By Wasim Jamal
Across Pakistan, social security institutions serve as a vital pillar of protection for the working class. Since the country’s inception, they have carried forward their mandate despite persistent financial and administrative constraints. In their early years, services were confined to a handful of major cities and largely limited to workers in the textile sector. Over time, however, these institutions have evolved into expansive, structured organizations, extending their reach across provinces and industries. Following the dissolution of the One Unit system, the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution formally began its independent operations in 1971. Today, SESSI manages an extensive network of dispensaries, medical centers and hospitals across Sindh.
Through its 14 Local Directorates, it oversees employer and worker registration, the collection of contributions, and the disbursement of cash benefits. Historically, the institution earned recognition for effective service delivery and contributed significantly to the establishment of social security structures in Balochistan. In recent years, however, concerns have emerged from both workers and employers about the institution’s ability to maintain its earlier standards of efficiency and service quality. Acknowledging these challenges, a comprehensive reform agenda was launched following the appointment of Commissioner SESSI Hadi Bux Kalhoro and the return to office of Provincial Minister for Labor Saeed Ghani. The reform framework rests on two central pillars: digitalization and transparency.
Among the earliest initiatives was the introduction of a biometric attendance system across offices in Sindh, aimed at strengthening discipline and institutional accountability. Since its implementation, a marked improvement in employee attendance and overall performance has been observed. In the coming months, salaries will also be linked to the biometric system to reinforce responsibility and compliance. In addition, CCTV monitoring systems have been installed in hospitals and field offices to enhance oversight, improve service delivery standards and ensure greater transparency. Addressing longstanding concerns over the availability and quality of medicines has also been prioritized. Complaints relating to delayed supply and inconsistent standards underscored the need for systemic reform.
Under the direction of the Commissioner, and on the recommendations of Medical Adviser Dr Kamran Awan and Director Procurement Dr Akram Sheikh, a new procurement and distribution mechanism has been approved. This modernized system is scheduled to become operational in the final quarter of the current fiscal year and is intended to guarantee the timely availability, improved quality and uninterrupted supply of medicines to workers and their families. Institutional reform cannot succeed without investment in human capital. After a prolonged hiatus, structured training programs for officers and staff have been revived under close supervision. Over the past three months, targeted sessions have been conducted for field directors, social security officers and administrative staff.
In the next phase, specialized training programs will also be introduced for doctors and paramedical personnel, with the aim of further raising healthcare standards. In line with contemporary governance practices, SESSI has begun a gradual transition towards a paperless administrative system. Official communication is increasingly being streamlined through digital platforms and email correspondence to promote efficiency, speed and transparency in record-keeping. Offices are being equipped with modern technological infrastructure to facilitate this shift. The institution’s official website has been comprehensively upgraded to provide detailed information on Local Directorates, hospitals and operational circles. Features such as Google location mapping and consultants’ schedules have improved public access.
Moreover, officers’ seniority lists, transfer and posting orders, and other official notifications are now publicly available online, reflecting a clear commitment to openness and accountability. Plans are under way to expand digital access to institutional records further in the near future. Importantly, reform efforts extend beyond internal restructuring. Commitments made during a recent consultative meeting with workers’ representatives are being actively implemented. The administration has stated its intention to ensure that dialogue results in measurable progress rather than remaining a symbolic exercise. SESSI stands at the threshold of a potentially transformative period. With digitalization, transparency and human resource development at the forefront, the institution is repositioning itself to meet the evolving expectations of workers and employers alike.
(The writer is Director of Public Relations at the Training and Research Institute, SESSI, and is also an active member of civil society, consistently raising his voice for the rights and welfare of the working class. He can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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