KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has directed officials concerned to increase the number of permanent transit check posts (PTCP) at entry points of the province and big cities like Karachi, intensify the routine polio vaccination and ensure that the province is polio-free by the end of 2015.

He added that to achieve this objective all requirements and logistic support would be provided by the government.

The chief minister stated this while presiding over a meeting at the CM House on Wednesday regarding the permanent transit check posts (PTCP) in Karachi.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that despite tough conditions of law and order and war against terrorism, the organisation working for eradication of polio had performed well, but still more efforts were needed to eradicate the crippling disease within shortest possible time.

He said that the government had made all resources available for anti-polio teams and provided full security to them.

He asked the officers to increase the number of PTCP at entry points of the province, railway stations, airports, bus stops and highways and ensure that each travelling child of up to five years of age was vaccinated against polio.

He directed the health department to replace the town health office showing bad performance in polio eradication campaign with honest and dedicated officers.

Published in Dawn, July 24th , 2014