Measles related deaths: No shortage of vaccinations, says Dahar

KARACHI:

After two deaths caused by measles in Mirpurkhas and Qambar Shahdadkot last week, Sindh health minister Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar has asked the department's officials to submit a report within three days.

Chairing a meeting on Monday, the minister directed them to take preventive measures against the disease immediately. "It is a matter of serious concern," he said, adding that a complete report should be presented and measures be taken to prevent the spread of the disease in other areas. "There is no shortage of vaccinations," said Dahar, adding that tenders have been published to purchases vaccinations for hepatitis.

He said that the health department was handing over some public hospitals to NGOs to improve their conditions. "No employees in these hospitals will be deprived of their jobs," he assured. These organisations will manage the hospitals, while the employees will come under the direct control of the health department, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2015.