National Assembly Committee Tackles Pakistan’s Public Health Crisis

Islamabad : In a critical move to address Pakistan’s escalating public health concerns, the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination convened its 4th meeting today, placing a spotlight on the urgent issues of vaccine distribution and the troubling resurgence of polio cases in the country.
2. 4th meeting of the Standing Committee was held today in Committee Room No. 7, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA, to assess the working and performance of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI). The meeting focussed on critical issues concerning vaccine utilization, funding distribution and the recent surge in polio cases in the country.
3. The Committee Members sought detailed information regarding how vaccines were being deployed across remote districts and the effectiveness of these efforts in reaching the target population.

The Committee emphasized the importance of efficient vaccine distribution and utilization mechanism to ensure a more comprehensive immunization coverage throughout the country. A significant concern raised during the meeting was the alarming increase in polio cases in Pakistan. The Committee was briefed on the challenges posed by security issues and other factors contributing to this resurgence. The Committee expressed grave concern over the rise in polio cases, noting the serious implications for public health and Pakistan’s global standing in the fight against polio. Furthermore, the Committee urged that robust training programs be implemented to equip the Lady Health Workers (LHWs) with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for polio prevention and immunization.
4. The Committee strongly recommended the enhancement of border health services to curb the spread of polio, particularly in regions with high cross-border movement. Strengthening border health services was seen as a vital step in preventing further transmission of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance public health and ensure successful eradication of polio in Pakistan by adopting effective measures.
5. The Committee also underscored the reliance on imported vaccines as a significant concern. The Committee called for development of a comprehensive plan to explore local vaccine production, emphasizing that this approach would not only achieve self-sufficiency but also reduce dependence on foreign sources.
6. The meeting was attended by MNAs, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Farukh Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Aliya Kamran, Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Mr. Shahram Khan, Mr. Nisar Ahmed, Dr. Azim ud Din Zahid, Mr. Muhammad Shabbir Ali Qureshi, Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel and Mr. Gul Asghar Khan along with senior officials from the M/o National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI).