ISLAMABAD: After a number of complaints about fake polio certificates showed at the airport by Pakistanis travelling abroad, Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) has taken steps to check this practice.

The ministry has directed the immigration staff to ensure that people travel on valid certificate.

Moreover, for the patients who cannot get polio vaccine due to medical reasons, the production of vaccination card with a stamp of ‘exemption’ has been made mandatory.

On May 5, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had made it mandatory for Pakistanis travelling abroad to take one dose of polio vaccine before they commence their journey.

Moreover, the WHO had suggested to the government to make polio certificates part of travel documents. The decision was taken to avoid risk of transfer of poliovirus to other countries.

According to a letter written by Joint Secretary, NHS Ministry, Dr Amer Sheikh, which is available with Dawn, the immigration staff had been instructed to ensure that each international traveller only proceeds abroad after obtaining the certificate of vaccination.

The letter says that all immigration officers deputed at airports, seaports and land crossings are directed to check certificates of vaccination against polio during the immigration process and ensure that only those in possession of a valid certificate were allowed to embark on international travel.

“It may be noted that foreigners and expatriate Pakistanis whose stay in Pakistan is less than four weeks are exempted from polio vaccination prior to travel.

“Also exempted are patients with specific medical conditions. In such cases, reasons for not administering the vaccine will be recorded on certificate of vaccination by a physician,” the letter stated.

It says that fearing transfer of poliovirus from Pakistan to other parts of the world, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee imposed travel regulations in May this year, making it mandatory for international travellers from Pakistan to be vaccinated against polio.

“It may be emphasised that Pakistan will need to show tangible and reliable results in terms of strict implementation of polio-related travel regulations. Lax or inconsistent implementation of the travel regulations may result in even more stiff measures and a possible travel ban,” says the letter.

An official of the ministry said that because of several controversies regarding polio certificates it is feared that the international community might not trust Pakistani vaccination certificates.

“It has been decided that strict measures be taken to ensure that every person travelling abroad gets polio vaccine and no one travels on fake certificate,” he said.

Joint Secretary Dr Amer Sheikh has also sent copies of the letter to the interior ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2014