FO Urges Action for Anti-Rabies Vaccines in Islamabad Hospitals

APP

Islamabad: Federal Ombudsman (FO) Ejaz Ahmed on Sunday issued a directive instructing the managements of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to take steps to ensure swift availability of anti-rabies vaccines in government hospitals in Islamabad.

The directive emphasizes the need to eliminate any bureaucratic obstacles hindering the efficient distribution of these vaccines.

In response to a recent public complaint received by his office, Ejaz Ahmed took decisive action concerning the unavailability of essential anti-rabies vaccines in government hospitals in Islamabad.

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Summoning senior officials from both the DRAP and NIH on January 9, 2024, he sought to identify the root cause of the situation. Furthermore, he directed DRAP to conduct an extensive investigation into why NIH was not manufacturing this crucial vaccine.

Subsequently, the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s office issued notices to both authorities, and the Registrar initiated a thorough probe. The investigation revealed that, in addition to protracted official procedures, bureaucratic delays, gross negligence, mismanagement, and fluctuations in the dollar rate contributed to the unfortunate shortage of the vaccine.

Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi has called for accountability in this matter and urged the implementation of necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib is actively pursuing the resolution of this issue, assuring all stakeholders that no effort will be spared.

Two hearings have already taken place in the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s office, with representatives from the concerned organizations in attendance. The ongoing efforts aim to rectify the vaccine shortage and establish safeguards to prevent its recurrence.