Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for Health, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, delivered a resolute message on Thursday, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to fully digitize the Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI) while ensuring an unbroken cold chain to facilitate vaccine distribution across every nook and corner of the province. His remarks came as he addressed attendees as the chief guest at a ceremony held to commemorate the remarkable milestone of 50 years of the EPI program.
In a display of profound respect, Shah paid homage to the late Prof Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, lauding him as the founding father of pediatrics and a pioneering force behind the inception of the EPI in the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Dr. Khan’s contributions were pivotal in laying the foundation for pediatric healthcare and immunization efforts in the region.
Emphasizing his personal commitment to the cause, Shah articulated his approach to setting targets, stressing the necessity of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and progress. He underscored the importance of performance and tangible results as the criteria for inclusion within the team, signaling a proactive stance towards ensuring efficiency and effectiveness within the Health Department.
Drawing inspiration from the resilience and determination exhibited by notable figures, Shah cited the example of Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, who overcame formidable obstacles to establish a cancer hospital. This anecdote served as a testament to the transformative power of unwavering dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Shah also extolled the virtues of the Sehat Insaf Card scheme, a groundbreaking initiative that provides access to high-cost medical treatments, including heart bypass surgeries, dialysis, and angiography, free of charge—a provision unparalleled on the global stage. This progressive healthcare policy exemplifies the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential medical services for all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status.
Moreover, Shah ceremonially inaugurated World Immunization Week, a global initiative observed annually from April 24 to 30, reaffirming Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s unwavering commitment to promoting immunization and safeguarding public health.
In a separate development, Shah disclosed the commencement of geo-tagging for approximately 34,000 clinics across the province, a crucial step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure and regulating unregistered medical facilities.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2024.
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