Sindh to launch vaccination drive in areas hit by measles outbreak

KARACHI: Attributing the rise in measles cases in Sindh to missed vaccinations during the Covid-19 pandemic, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has announced the initiation of a special vaccination campaign in areas witnessing a surge in measles cases.

Addressing the media, Dr. Pechuho said the vaccinations could not be administered in some areas of Sindh during Covid pandemic as health services were strained and routine immunization schedules were disrupted.

She added that a typhoid vaccination drive is also set to resume from May 13 to 25, targeting 8.9 million children aged six months to 15 years in Sindh.

Regarding healthcare infrastructure, Dr Pechuho acknowledged challenges faced by patients at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) due to capacity constraints.

However, she expressed optimism, stating that the situation would ameliorate upon the completion of the children's heart disease hospital.

Responding to queries about patient fees at Jinnah Hospital, Dr. Pechuho said she would hold a meeting with the hospital administration soon to resolve the issue.

She announced the acquisition of robotic machines for Jinnah Hospital and the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), to enhance medical facilities for patients.

The health minister also voiced concerns about the management of the Sindh Government's Children Hospital Nagan Chowrangi, expressing the government’s intention to reassume control of the facility from the non-governmental organization (NGO) operating it, citing the absence of a forensic audit.