Punjab govt summoned on poor oral polio vaccine standards

The Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to the Punjab government and others for May 24 on a petition contending oral polio vaccine (OPV) was not properly provided to children according to international standards. Justice Umar Ata Bandial issued notices on a petition filed by petitioner-counsel Rana Ijaz Ahmad impleading the Punjab government, Lahore DCO, Health EDO and DG, EPI director and others. Earlier, the petitioner-counsel submitted before the court that cases of polio were growing in Pakistan as compared to other developing countries despite the administration of same OPV received through UNICEF. He contended that international standards were not being maintained for administration of OPV in Pakistan due to lack of a cold chain system, proper storage facilities and trained staff. He pleaded the court that a judicial inquiry be ordered against responsible authorities by declaring that OPV was not properly provided to children as per international standards. The counsel also sought directions for respondents to make rules and take serious action against individuals who were not willing to administer OPV to their children. The court after hearing the arguments issued notices for May 24 to the Punjab government and others.