Pakistan’s first-ever model immunisation centre set up at SHL

LAHORE:Pakistan’s first-ever Model Immunisation Centre got functional as Punjab Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir with WHO Deputy Representative in Pakistan Ms Ellen Mpangananji Thom inaugurated the centre at Services Hospital here on Monday.

Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said, “The Model Immunisation Centre is first-of-a-kind initiative in the country in which all vaccination services are being made available under one roof. This is a collaborative initiative between the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department and the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department. I am grateful to WHO for providing technical and final support for transforming this initiative into a functional reality.

“The Model Immunisation Centre offers a comprehensive range of immunisation services, including routine EPI vaccinations, emergency vaccinations (e.g., COVID-19, Rabies, Cholera), and vaccinations for international travelers (e.g., Polio, Yellow Fever) in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR). The centre is staffed by highly qualified immunisation personnel who work in close coordination with hospital, district, and provincial authorities under a multi-party collaborative framework.

“The centre not only caters to pregnant women and children of higher age group, but also provides vaccinations for outbreaks and emergencies. International travellers often faced problems getting mandatory vaccines like Polio (OPV/IPV) and Yellow Fever. We are planning to scale up services for provision of vaccines like Hep B and typhoid for all age groups especially those related to food industry.”

WHO Deputy Representative in Pakistan Ms Ellen Mpangananji Thom said that vaccines have emerged as a cornerstone of public health, preventing the spread of deadly diseases and saving countless lives.

She assured WHO support for the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance vaccination coverage in the province and hoped that this centre will play a pivotal role in facilitating access to vaccines for individuals seeking immunisation for various health reasons. The Model Immunisation Centre operates beyond working hours, ensuring that vaccines are available to all clients.

Nutrition Stabilisation Centre at FJMU

Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir, along with Vice Chancellor FJMU Prof Khalid Masud Gondal and Representative from World Health Organisation (WHO) Ms Alan Thom, inaugurated newly-renovated Nutrition Stabilisation Centre at FJMU/ SGRH Lahore with the support of WHO for the management of severely malnourished children with complications. The health ministers visited the centre, met the innocent children suffering from malnutrition, and their parents. Khawaja Imran Nazir said that despite of producing the maximum food in Punjab, “our children are still suffering from malnutrition.”

While addressing, he said that a technical committee of experts comprising from IMNRCH and WHO will be formed. The committee will give a roadmap for the next 5 years to improve the efficiency of Stabilisation Centres. On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal offered a special prayer for the prosperity of beloved country Pakistan, ailing humanity, and the development of the institution.