Fake finger markings alleged in polio drive

The health officials on Friday disclosed that the fake cases of polio immunisation of children under the five years of age have been emerging in many districts of Sindh.

"[The] cases of fake finger markings have been reported in many districts and when enquired it was revealed that these children were marked on fingers only but were not administered the polio drops," Coordinator Emergency Operations Center for Polio Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi said during a meeting chaired by the Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho.

Abbasi added that fake data is also being reported from many districts. The health and other concerned officers from Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas and Nawabshah divisions attended the meeting and briefed Pechuho about the recent campaign.

The minister said she will not accept any compromise in the polio campaign or against the refusal and not available (NA) cases. She emphasized that all the districts will have to ensure 100% coverage in the future.

Pechuho pointed out that the polio workers are reported to have been miscounting children in the houses and asked the officials to take action against the staff if incorrect information is shared. "To know the causes of the NAs and zero dose cases, inquiry should be conducted", she directed. She also asked the health officials to ensure that the polio workers are paid their salaries and the absentee staff is sacked.

Taking notice of coordination issues between the health department and the district administrations, the minister asked the Sindh Health Services Director General to share details of health facilities, available funds and other related data with the deputy commissioners. The district administrations are also supposed to receive reports on the infrastructure of health facilities, available resources, requirements and equipment in those facilities.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health Muhammad Qasim Soomro directed the officers not to accept any pressure during the campaign and to make sure that all vaccinators and lady health visitors attended their duties. The health officials will also have to share the staff's attendance sheets with the DCs on daily basis. The vaccinators have also been asked to immediately report the new born and to ensure their immunisation.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2022.