Health Department Expresses Concerns Over Lacklustre Attitude of District Health Officers in Polio Eradication

Strategic Insights -

The health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has expressed concerns over the lack of participation and poor attendance of district health officers (DHOs) in polio eradication meetings. During a recent meeting of the Provincial Task Force (PTF), it was observed that DHOs from 10 districts were absent from meetings meant to review progress of polio campaigns in June and July. The DHOs included those from South Waziristan Upper, Peshawar, Tank, Bannu, Dir Lower, Khyber, Swabi, Lakki Marwat, Swat, and North Waziristan.

Key Takeaways:

  • 10 district health officers (DHOs) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were absent from meetings meant to review progress of polio campaigns in June and July.
  • The DHOs of Peshawar, Bannu, and Khyber didn't attend readiness meetings in the June campaign, while attendance in evening meetings was recorded at 80pc, 40pc, and 80pc, respectively.
  • In the July vaccination campaign, DHOs of Tank and South Waziristan Upper stayed away from DPEC's meetings, while the latter skipped readiness meeting.
  • The provincial government is putting relentless efforts to wipe out polio by conducting vaccination campaigns on a regular basis.
  • All DHOs have been instructed to ensure their presence and 100 per cent attendance in all meetings, failing which will lead to disciplinary action as per rules.
  • The health director has asked DHOs to seek prior approval from the health secretary and submit genuine reasons if they need leave.

Statistics:

  • 80pc attendance in evening review meetings in Peshawar and Swabi in the June campaign.
  • 40pc attendance in evening meetings in Khyber in the June campaign.
  • 80pc attendance in evening review meetings in Tank, North Waziristan, and Swat in the July campaign.

Sources:

  • "The Express Tribune" dated June [not provided]
  • "The Express Tribune" dated July [not provided]