A fake polio vaccination scheme has been exposed in Balochistan, where some parents, in collaboration with health workers, avoided giving their children the polio vaccine while ensuring that their fingers were marked to indicate otherwise, according to officials from the Balochistan Health Department.
As a result, over 500 health workers involved in this fraudulent activity have faced disciplinary action.
After two years of being free from polio, Balochistan is once again grappling with the resurgence of the virus, with 12 children contracting the disease over the past eight months.
The provincial health department has expressed deep concern over the worsening situation.
Inamul Haque, the Coordinator of the Balochistan Emergency Operation Center, highlighted that migration and vaccine refusal by parents are significant hurdles in eradicating polio in the region.
He added that the fraudulent vaccination practices have significantly contributed to the rise in cases.
Tragically, three children have died due to polio, and provincial authorities warn that the risk of further fatalities has increased.
In response to the surge in polio cases, Dr. Aftab Kakar, Technical Officer for the Polio Campaign, announced that the health department would initiate a special anti-polio drive across Balochistan starting September 9.