ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services on Tuesday highlighted on the urgent issues of vaccine distribution and the troubling resurgence of polio cases in the country.
The committee at a meeting, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, assessed the working and performance of the Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI). It focused on critical issues concerning vaccine utilisation, funding distribution, and the recent surge in polio cases.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Farah Naz Akbar, Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Sabheen Ghoury, Farukh Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Aliya Kamran, Dr Amjad Ali Khan, Shahram Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Dr. Azimuddin Zahid, Mohammad Shabbir Ali Qureshi, Abdul Qadir Patel and Gul Asghar Khan along with senior officials from the health ministry and FDI.
The committee members sought detailed information regarding how vaccines were being deployed across remote districts and the effectiveness of the efforts in reaching the target population. The committee emphasised the importance of efficient vaccine distribution and utilisation mechanisms to ensure comprehensive immunisation coverage throughout the country. A significant concern raised during the meeting was the alarming increase in polio cases in Pakistan.
The committee was briefed on the challenges posed by security issues and other factors contributing to the resurgence. The committee expressed grave concern over the rise in polio cases, noting the serious implications for public health and Pakistan’s global standing in the fight against the disease. Furthermore, the committee said robust training programmes be implemented to equip the Lady Health Workers (LHWs) with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for polio prevention and immunisation.
The chairman of the committee recommended the enhancement of border health services to curb the spread of polio, particularly in regions with high cross-border movement. Strengthening border health services was seen as a vital step in preventing further transmission of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance public health and ensure the eradication of polio by adopting effective measures.
Members also underscored the reliance on imported vaccines as a significant concern. They called for the development of a comprehensive plan to explore local vaccine production, emphasising that this approach would not only achieve self-sufficiency but also reduce dependence on foreign sources.
Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2024
