QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri on Thursday stressed that no hurdles would be tolerated in achieving a polio-free province and the issue would be dealt with diligence.

Talking to the prime minister’s focal person on polio eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the chief minister said: “We can’t afford to put our children’s future at risk.Therefore, all officials showing indolence toward polio eradication will be dealt with strictly.”

Praising the provincial government’s efforts in fighting the disease, Ms Raza said: “Efforts made by the Balochistan government for the elimination of polio virus are recognised by international organisations concerned. Since last one year, no case of polio virus has surfaced in the province.”

Emphasising the government’s willingness to tackle the issue, Mr Zehri said, “Like terrorism polio is a serious issue. We are committed to defeating the virus just the way we improved law and order in the province.”

He said the government was focusing on health and education as it had increased budgets for the two sectors substantially, adding that salaries and incentives of doctors, paramedical staff as well as teachers had been enhanced.

The meeting decided to take special measures for administration of polio drops to children at the Pak-Afghan border.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting presided over by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shoaib Mir, Ms Raza urged the district administration to ensure a high-quality polio campaign through coordinated monitoring and supervision.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2017