PMA voices concern over shortage of TB vaccine

Karachi
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed its concern over the shortage of anti-TB vaccine in the country, saying millions of infants were denied vital immunisation.
In a hurriedly called meeting on Wednesday, the association office-bearers said there could be many reasons for the shortage of the vaccines stock, but the responsibility of providing the vaccine totally rested over the shoulders of federal EPI cell which did not procure the required amount of the vaccines.
The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccination is given as a routine immunization that protects children from tuberculosis. “The situation is alarming because millions of infants have been denied the vaccination from the 1st of February, due to its shortage countrywide,” the association viewed.
The BCG vaccine is mandatory for every newborn in Pakistan for being an integral part of the routine EPI programme. This vaccine is on the World Health Organisation’s list of essential medicines being the most important medication needed in a basic health system.
The shortage of this vaccine has put the health of millions of Pakistani children at risk as the country registers sixth highest number of cases of tuberculosis.
The PMA leaders strongly condemned the negligence of the government and all those agencies responsible for providing vaccination to every child of this country through the EPI programme and demanded immediate measures to be taken in this regard at the earliest.
Prof Tipu Sultan, Dr Mirza Ali Azhar, Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, Prof Idrees Adhi, Dr Qazi M Wasiq and Dr Shershah Syed, Dr Hamid Manzoor, Dr Ahmed Bhimani were present at the meeting while President PMA Quetta Dr Aziz Ahmed Lehri, Joint Secretary Lahore Dr Talha Sherwani, Joint Secretary Larkana Dr Bashir Channa attended the session through video link.