The Punjab government has decided to establish special polio vaccination counters at entry and exit points across the province as part of intensified efforts to eradicate polio.
The decision was made during a meeting of the provincial task force on Polio Eradication, attended by provincial ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir, along with Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman and officials from various departments.
Addressing the participants, Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the importance of provincial ministers’ presence in the field during the upcoming polio eradication campaign. He stressed the adoption of tailored strategies in each district to effectively combat the disease, urging deputy commissioners and health officials to swiftly resolve any obstacles hindering progress towards achieving targets.
It was unanimously decided during the meeting that all entry and exit points of Punjab would host dedicated polio vaccination counters.
Officials pledged maximum efforts to eliminate polio and other diseases from the province. Khawaja Imran Nazir highlighted the potential imposition of a health emergency if required, emphasizing population movement as a significant factor in disease transmission. He assured that every child passing through entry and exit points would receive polio vaccine drops.
Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman underscored accountability, stating that officials displaying negligence during the polio eradication campaign would face disciplinary action.