Sindh launches PSO fuel cards for EPI frontline vaccinators

KARACHI: In a historic move to strengthen immunization services, Sindh’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has introduced PSO fuel cards for vaccinators, making Sindh the first province in Pakistan to empower its frontline workers with this innovative support mechanism.

The initiative was inaugurated today at the EPI Directorate, attended by Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister of Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, and Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Secretary of Health.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Pechuho emphasized the government's commitment to empowering frontline workers, enabling them to efficiently conduct immunization activities across the province. She stated, "We want our frontline workers to be independent and empowered, allowing them to easily move into the field. The PSO card is a crucial initiative to enhance the effectiveness of our immunization services. All vaccinators will receive these cards, providing them with monthly fuel to support their outreach efforts."

Rehan Iqbal Baloch reiterated the Sindh Government's dedication to prioritizing immunization. He remarked, "Immunization has always been a top priority for the Sindh Government, and we are continuously working on new initiatives like the PSO card to improve the program’s functionality and efficiency. This step is just the beginning; more initiatives are on the way."

Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Project Director of EPI Sindh, highlighted the significance of this pioneering initiative, saying, "The provision of motorbikes and scooters to vaccinators was a major step, and now, with the PSO cards, we are further empowering them to carry out their critical field services. This has been a long-standing vision of our Honourable Minister of Health, and today, we are witnessing it come to life."

He added, "With this card, all field vaccinators will receive monthly fuel directly, streamlining the process. The fuel allowance will be performance-based, ensuring that only those actively engaged in outreach activities receive consistent support."

In her concluding remarks, Minister Pechuho acknowledged the vital contributions of health journalists, thanking them for their role in raising awareness about the importance of vaccination in communities.