ISLAMABAD: The lacklustre attitude of the federal government coupled with the ongoing sit-ins at Constitution Avenue has hindered strengthening of the polio eradication programme in the country.
“Pakistan is facing a major setback in its effort to eradicate the crippling disease from the country as the total number of polio cases this year has reached 146 which is terrible but unfortunately they are not even bothering to take the matter seriously,” said a senior official at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSRC), who wished not to be named.
The official said at present Pakistan is at a stage where a slight delay in polio eradication activities can wreak havoc for the entire nation but still it is shocking that no one is taking the issue seriously.
Sharing details, the official said for the past couple of months the ministry is planning to establish a National Emergency Operation Centre for strengthening polio monitoring and coordination between the federal government and provinces.
“However, this plan is still pending due to the current political situation and they are unable to materialise the plan,” said the official. INTERNEWS
