Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination convened today in Islamabad to address critical public health issues, including the resurgence of polio and vaccine distribution challenges.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, met in Committee Room No. 7 at Parliament House to evaluate the performance of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI). Discussions centered on the efficient deployment of vaccines across Pakistan’s remote districts and the recent spike in polio cases, attributed to security challenges and other factors. The committee stressed the need for comprehensive immunization coverage and robust training for Lady Health Workers to advocate for polio prevention effectively.

The committee also recommended enhancing border health services to prevent polio’s spread, especially in areas with high cross-border movement. Additionally, concerns about reliance on imported vaccines led to calls for developing local vaccine production capabilities, aiming for self-sufficiency and reduced dependency on foreign sources.