LHWs boycott vaccination campaign in aftermath of polio team attack

President of Lady Health Workers Union demands action against govt officials, foolproof security arrangements

QUETTA: The Lady Health Workers Employees Union boycotted an emergency vaccination campaign in Balochistan on Wednesday following an attack on a polio team near Quetta in which four polio workers – including three women – were shot dead. The announcement comes against the backdrop of government officials insisting that the drive will resume. 

The immunisation campaign in 18 districts of Quetta was temporarily suspended for the day after an attack which killed four and injured three vaccinators. However, Balochistan Health Minister on Wednesday announced the emergency vaccination campaign would resume from tomorrow.

“The victims were not polio workers but vaccinators who are taking part in a week-long emergency immunisation campaign in Quetta,” Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch clarified.

“No one should think the campaign will stop in any part of Balochistan,” Baloch said while addressing the Director Public Relation Office in Quetta.

Further, the health minister ensured the government will provide security to the health workers.

However, despite the health minister's assurances, the president of Lady Health Workers Employees Union announced a boycott of the campaign while citing a security lapse on the government's part.

“The deadly incident took place due to a security lapse. The health workers cannot continue their jobs under such dangerous circumstances,” Hafiz Haleem Shah, President of Lady Health Workers Employees Union said.

Questioning security arrangements for health workers despite serious threats to their lives, he demanded an immediate arrest of culprits involved in this heinous crime, action against the government officials for their negligence and foolproof security arrangements for health workers who go for vaccination campaigns.

The government of Balochistan with the support of UNICEF and WHO on Monday launched a seven-day emergency vaccination campaign against nine deadly childhood infectious diseases. At least 850 health workers in Quetta are taking part in the campaign.

“The targeted killings of four volunteers -- three women and a man -- saddened us. I extend my grief and sorrow to the grieving families,” Baloch said, adding the Balochistan government had announced Rs1 million rupees for those killed and Rs 200,000 for the injured.”

“Two teams have been formed, one under the supervision of Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Quetta and Divisional Director Health to investigate the incident and submit their reports within 24 hours.” he said.

Responding to a question regarding frequent attacks on polio workers, Baloch said different groups are behind the attacks. “We are investigating the incident and will unearth whoever is behind this heinous crime.”

Further, Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti said Pakistan is facing a war- like situation and the attacks are an aftermath of the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.”