Sindh launches major polio drive

The government is set to launch a major polio immunisation drive in Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and Tharparkar districts, aiming to vaccinate over a million children. The four-day campaign will begin on April 13, officials said. Mirpurkhas Commissioner Jalaluddin Mahar on Tuesday instructed officials to ensure that all 6,538 mobile teams, supported by 298 transit points and 192 fixed vaccination centers, achieve full coverage. "Every child in the target districts must be reached to prevent the spread of polio," he said, emphasising strict monitoring of the teams' activities. Meanwhile, in Sukkur division, officials have launched a crackdown against quacks and medical practitioners with poor practices following the deaths of seven children from suspected monkeypox in Khairpur district. Sukkur Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi directed all deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to take strict action against health clinics operating unlawfully in the division. A team from the Sindh Healthcare Commission will also join district administrations to support the crackdown and ensure compliance with medical regulations. Authorities have warned that any clinic found violating health standards will face immediate closure and legal action.