Caretaker PM orders restoration of polio monitoring cell

PM Khoso directs authorities to restore the polio cell after a presentation on national polio eradication efforts.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Sunday took notice of reports in the media regarding closure of the Monitoring and Coordination Cell for polio in the Prime Minister's Secretariat and ordered its immediate restoration.

PM Khoso reviewed his decision after a presentation by Federal Minister Dr Sania Nishtar, discussing the implications of shutting down the cell on national polio eradication efforts.

The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to issue necessary administrative directions so that the polio cell may be restored to the status it held before his caretaker government took office.

The dismantling of the cell drew harsh criticism from international donors worldwide, one of which was the Bill Gates Foundation. The future of the annual aid of $130 million drawn from the foundation has become increasingly uncertain.

The special envoy of Bill Gates Foundation, Dr Waqar Ajmal, got in touch with the government and has underscored the need for the restoration of the polio monitoring cell. Dr Ajmal voiced fears that the country might not receive the annual aid that originates from the Bill Gates Foundation.

He expressed his concern over the government’s decision to shut down the polio monitoring cell and requested President Aisf Ali Zardari to restore the cell immediately.