Sindh Health Department dismisses vaccinators in Hyderabad for fake polio entries
HYDERABAD: The Sindh Health Department has terminated five vaccinators in Hyderabad after an inquiry confirmed fake entries and serious negligence during the recent anti-polio campaign, officials said.
Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen confirmed that disciplinary action was taken after a detailed investigation into the death of an eight-month-old infant who had tested positive for the poliovirus.
According to the inquiry report, the infant girl from Preetabad fell ill on august 18, was brought to a hospital four days later, and tested positive for the poliovirus on august 25. She passed away on august 28.
Inquiry and accountability
The inquiry found that several vaccination teams failed to carry out door-to-door immunization accurately and recorded fake entries during the campaign. Following the report, five vaccinators were terminated and 70 teams showing unsatisfactory performance were replaced to ensure credibility in future drives.
Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen said that around 5,000 personnel took part in the district-wide polio eradication campaign. He emphasized that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward negligence in public health initiatives.
“Ensuring every child receives polio drops is our foremost responsibility. Any lapse in such life-saving campaigns cannot be overlooked,” the deputy commissioner said.
Polio eradication efforts in Hyderabad
According to the Sindh Health Department, two cases of polio were reported in 2024, while one case has been confirmed in the district so far this year.
During the last anti-polio drive, the department said it successfully administered oral polio vaccines (OPV) to approximately 400,000 children across the district, reaffirming its commitment to a polio-free Pakistan.
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