Under the Sindh Immunization and Epidemic Control Bill 2023, deputy commissioners have been authorized by the provincial government to take action against parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. Those found in violation of this law will face a fine of 50,000 rupees and one month of imprisonment.
The health department and polio workers will identify such parents and coordinate with the police to enforce these measures. Additionally, the Sindh police have been directed to collaborate fully with health officials and polio workers in this endeavor.
Recent environmental samples from Karachi and Quetta have detected the presence of the polio virus, signaling the continued threat of the disease.
In response, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah launched a week-long anti-polio campaign across 24 districts. He emphasized the importance of vaccinating children against polio and called for community-wide efforts to achieve a polio-free environment.
Over 62,000 frontline workers will administer oral polio vaccines, supported by nearly 4,000 security personnel. The Chief Minister urged schools, hospitals, and caregivers to facilitate the vaccination drive.
This initiative comes after earlier detection of the polio virus in Chaman and Dera Bugti, indicating the persistent challenge posed by the disease across various regions.
