Selection process for polio workers under fire

Candidate alleges nepotism in recruitment, claims he was threatened for disclosing the bias.

PESHAWAR: The World Health Organization (WHO) sought applications from candidates from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) for the ‘Global Polio Eradication Initiative’ in Pakistan to stem the rising tide of cases in the tribal belt.

The posts were advertised on October 10, 2014 wherein the WHO sought applications for union council polio workers (UCPW) from FR Peshawar and FR Bannu along with Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, Orakzai and South and North Waziristan agencies. The posts were limited for those residing in specific areas of the advertised union councils.

Qualification requirements included experience in social work, NGOs, community development activities and health services.

Some candidates who qualified for the test and consequent interview, however, allege nepotism in the hiring process. One such candidate claimed he was even threatened for uncovering this by a panel for selection of the UCPWs.

“They advertised the posts for experienced candidates from specific areas, but did not follow [the guidelines in] their own advert. They hired blue-eyed people, neglecting dozens of qualified and deserving candidates,” Samiullah Afridi told The Express Tribune.

Afridi claimed he has already bought the matter to the notice of WHO officials. He added he earlier discussed the issue with the selection panel, which threatened him of dire consequences. He also said WHO FATA Coordinator Dr Sarfaraz Khan shared Afridi’s contact details with intelligence agencies and the political administration in order to put pressure on him.

“I am not afraid and will not give up. It is my right to raise my voice for my rights,” stressed Afridi.

When contacted, Dr Sarfaraz admitted sharing Afridi’s contact details with intelligence agencies and the political administration of Khyber Agency. He, however, clarified the selection criteria was based completely on merit and termed Afridi’s allegations “baseless”.

“How can you prefer an average candidate over a gold medalist?” questioned Dr Sarfaraz, adding Afridi’s name was second on the merit list.

Sarfaraz said less than a hundred people were hired following a written test and interview, adding Afridi has the right to challenge the selection. “Yes, he should try. But let me make one thing clear, the selection was based on merit.”

WHO Emergency Coordinator for Polio Eradication Dr Elias Durry reiterated the process was carried out through a well-thought HR mechanism. “We are following a transparent selection criteria,” said Dr Durry.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2015.