DHOs to be held responsible for incorrect vaccination data

Health secretary says strict action will be taken against staffers over laxity.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa health department has directed district health officers (DHOs) to personally monitor the polio vaccination campaign being conducted in 21 districts of the province.

According to the concerned officials, the K-P government is adamant to eliminate the virus from the province and is closely monitoring the campaign at the provincial cell. They said newly-appointed Health Secretary Mushtaq Jadoon has held several meetings with relevant authorities since taking charge.

“The secretary has directed DHOs to ensure every child is administered polio drops during the ongoing campaign in 21 districts,” said an official, adding the health department has issued clear directions stating district health officers will be held responsible for submission of incorrect data.



When contacted, Expanded Programme on Immunization’s Deputy Director Tahir Nadeem told The Express Tribune the government was indeed committed to eradicating polio from the province. He added they have already suspended four staff members who were reluctant to participate in the drive.

Nadeem said an EPI technician, medical technician, lady health worker and an attendant were suspended while a nutritionist was handed a warning. He maintained some staffers had submitted incorrect data in the past as they could not visit some areas due to security concerns. However, this time around, the department will ensure every single child is vaccinated, he stressed.

“Every single staff member will have to perform his/her duties accordingly to help root out the virus from the province.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2014.