By Daniyal
NOWSHEHRA: Provincial Minister for Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mian Khaliq ur Rehman Khattak, has directed immediate action against the shortage, overpricing, and sale of counterfeit meningitis vaccines in Peshawar, following public complaints.
Citizens had protested at the DHO Office Peshawar over the non-availability of the vaccine. Investigations revealed that the meningitis vaccine, imported by Pfizer and Sanofi Aventis, was in limited supply, creating serious difficulties for patients.
Authorities also discovered that fake vaccines were being sold through mobile vendors. Acting on the minister’s orders, two sellers were arrested in Gulbahar, Changarabad, and Molvi Jee Hospital areas of Peshawar. Counterfeit doses were seized, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
Khattak stated that no compromise would be made on public health and warned of strict action against corruption, hoarding, or the sale of fake medicines. He confirmed that Pfizer’s country head had assured the supply of 400 meningitis vaccines to UDL within two days under proper cold chain arrangements, with regular supply to follow.
The minister instructed that vaccines must be provided directly to eligible patients only, with identity verification required before administration. Daily checks of vaccine records will be conducted to ensure transparency.
He assured the public that the provincial government is taking all possible measures to safeguard health and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against mismanagement. Medical superintendents and district health officers have been directed to ensure timely and transparent provision of medicines and vaccines across government hospitals.
