DERA GHAZI KHAN: Vaccinators on Tuesday boycotted the anti-polio and expanded programme on immunisartion (EPI) campaign and besieged the health CEO office against what they claimed denial of petrol allowance for three months and the alleged inappropriate behaviour of the chief executive officer.

The protesters chanted slogans, staged a sit-in and vowed to continue with the protest until their demands were met, calling on the chief minister to take notice of their strike. Meanwhile, the health department warned of disciplinary measures against non-working protesters.

The vaccinators, led by EPI Welfare Federation Association President Malik Attaullah Sajid, voiced their frustration over the lack of petrol allowance while they were working in harsh weather conditions in remote areas.

Grand Alliance President Mian Amir Karim expressed solidarity with the polio workers, pledging support until their demands were addressed.

Criticism was also leveled at CEO Health Dr. Idris Leghari for his alleged inappropriate treatment of workers.

When contacted, Mr Leghari dismissed the protest as unfounded, stating that issues should be resolved through the district health officer. He attributed the protest to the suspension of certain vaccinators due to poor performance. He said it was inappropriate to surround the [CEO] office and action would be taken.

ACE CASE: The anti-corruption establishment (ACE) has registered a case under section 161 TP 5/2/47 PCA against an employee of Dera Ghazi Khan metropolitan corporation on charges of taking bribe from a contractor.

A team, led by ACE Circle Officer Amar Yasir Khan Merani, along with Muharrar Talib Hussain, ASI Muhammad Muthu Khan arrested assistant (BS-16) Mujahid Hussain. The team detained him in accordance with the law after receiving Rs40,000 from the plaintiff to expedite bill processing. However, he failed to process the bills and concealed bills worth Rs940,000.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2024