And then there were none: No polio official attends IPV launch ceremony

HMC director slams apathy of officers

PESHAWAR: Not a single health official made it to the inaugural ceremony of the inactivated polio vaccine drive on Monday.

The first phase was launched in 53 union councils of Peshawar district where children were inoculated against the crippling virus. IPV campaigns are being conducted to boost the immunity of children as the government plans to completely eradicate the menace.

Donor agencies and technical partners have been putting all their efforts into assisting the government. However, on Monday, partner organisations held the inaugural ceremony for the second phase, but not a single official showed up.



“I wonder why they would not attend such an important event,” said a senior health official who used a famous Pashto proverb to voice his criticism over their absence. “We are implementing partners and those meant to be present on the occasion are least bothered.”

Empty chairs on stage and bouquets welcomed the guests and Hayatabad Medical Complex Director Dr Shahzad Akbar was asked to come in last minute and warm one of those seats as chair despite his busy schedule.

Since Akbar was not aware of the programme, the hosts had to guide him and he finally managed to share some details. He said the second phase was under way and some 0.127 million children will be inoculated against polio across 43 union councils of the district.

He also extended his full support, saying HMC was always available to assist the programme and save children from the virus.

“I am not sure why they did not make it to the ceremony, but I voiced my concerns,” Akbar said in reply to a question. He said the officials might be busy with other engagements. The director, however, added this occasion should not have been taken lightly.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2016.