KARACHI: Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah on Saturday directed district administrations across the province to tighten polio vaccination arrangements at bus terminals, railway stations, transit points and all entry and exit routes, with a special focus on children of mobile and migrating families.
He said that every eligible child must be reached and vaccinated against polio, directing district administrations, the health department and other relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to identify and vaccinate children who might be missed because of frequent travel, migration or temporary residence.
He instructed deputy commissioners to personally monitor the presence and performance of vaccination teams at transit points in their respective districts.
‘Team deployment should follow bus and train schedules to ensure that children travelling early in the morning, at night or during other busy periods are reached,’ he added.
According to an official statement, the chief secretary directed health officials, transport authorities, the railway administration and district administrations to improve coordination and provide the necessary support to vaccination teams at passenger facilities.
He also directed polio teams to reach temporary settlements and locations where mobile and migrating families were staying. ‘Children missed during vaccination activities should be identified and promptly administered polio drops, with accurate records maintained,’ he said. -Staff Reporter