Third party evaluation system would be evolved to eradicate fake reporting of immunization

Lahore: Parliamentary Secretary Health Kh. Imran Nazir has said that an effective third party evaluation system would be evolved to eradicate fake reporting of routine immunization and polio coverage. He said that presence of polio in Pakistan is an embracement for the nation at international level. He said that it is a matter of national dignity that people of Pakistan and all provincial governments should join hands for eradication of polio to save the coming generations.

He said this while addressing the closing ceremony of a three weeks long training course for master trainers of EPI Supervisors at Provincial Health Development Centre (PHDC), here today. Director Health EPI Dr. Munir Ahmed, Director PHDC Dr. Sohail Saqlain, training faculty, participants of the training course from all the districts including School Health Nutrition Supervisors, doctors, nurses and other staff members were present at the concluding ceremony.

Dr. Sohail Saqlain, in his welcome address briefed the participants about the achievements of PHDC and ongoing training programmes. He said that a large number of training courses have been completed whereas new programmes are in the pipeline for capacity-building of human resource of Health Department.

Director EPI Dr. Munir Ahmed said that some officers and staff make fake reporting of polio campaigns and routine immunization. He said that fake reporting of immunization coverage is not only a crime but it is also a disservice to the national cause as it causes problems in evolving strategy and future planning. He said that many steps have been taken at government level to rectify the situation, however, the EPI staff and their Incharge officers should realize their responsibilities. He urged upon the EPI supervisors to perform their duties towards imparting training to the staff of their respective districts efficiently to cope with the challenges.

Kh. Imran Nazir asked the officers and officials to bring their problems into the knowledge of their high-ups instead of preparing fake reports regarding the immunization and polio campaigns so that the issues could be addressed and hurdles be removed.

Kh. Imran Nazir while responding to the reservations of school health nutrition supervisors regarding their service, said that no official including schools health nutrition supervisors will be removed from the service. He said that Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is committed to development of health sector and solid steps are being taken in this regard. He said that training and capacity-building programmes under PHDC umbrella are essential for updating the knowledge of public health experts, health managers, EPI supervisors and other staff according to the latest development in health sectors.