KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, has directed all District Health Officers (DHOs) across Sindh to perform their duties with full commitment and ensure transparency in healthcare delivery, vaccination planning, and reporting. She warned that negligence in public health matters would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding, “Those who do not work should stay at home.”
Chairing a meeting of DHOs in Karachi, Dr. Pechuho expressed dissatisfaction over the poor performance of certain districts, particularly Jacobabad, and said that officers failing to perform would be removed from their posts. She emphasized that basic healthcare services, availability of medicines, and staff attendance must be ensured in all health facilities across the province.
The meeting, attended by Health Secretary Rehan Baloch and DHOs from all districts, reviewed the performance of labour rooms, maternal and child health services, immunization coverage, family planning programmes, and TB treatment facilities.
Dr. Pechuho instructed all DHOs to prepare clear duty rosters and micro-plans for vaccinators, indicating specific timings and locations of their work. She directed strict action against absentee staff and made it clear that no political interference or recommendation would be accepted in postings or transfers, which must be strictly performance-based.
She also emphasized maintaining adequate vaccine stocks in all districts and directed that detailed lists of children under 12 years be prepared for upcoming immunization drives.
Announcing the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign from November 17 to 29, 2025, Dr. Pechuho ordered full preparedness across the province. She warned that any vaccine wastage would be treated as serious negligence, noting that “one vial of 10 doses must be used within six hours.” She also stressed maintaining strict hygiene protocols and verifying the identity and contact details of all vaccinators.
The Minister directed that schools and community organizations begin awareness activities to ensure maximum participation in the campaign. She expressed concern over low vaccination coverage in Keamari and West districts and instructed the respective DHOs to speed up their efforts and coordinate with local administrations.
On the TB programme, Dr. Pechuho ordered the immediate procurement of medicines to address shortages and directed urgent training for paediatric staff in collaboration with PPHI to strengthen TB treatment for children. For family planning, she instructed DHOs to submit coverage reports and activate all related programmes at the district level.
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Azra Pechuho reiterated that providing quality healthcare to the people of Sindh is the Health Department’s foremost duty. She said, “I am personally monitoring all matters, and no negligence will be tolerated.”
