Ministry asks emergency polio centre to probe use of expired vaccine.

ISLAMABAD -- The Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) has ordered the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) on Polio to investigate how an expired polio vaccine was administered to at least 50 children on the first day of the ongoing vaccination campaign, and take action against those involved.

The NEOC has been directed to submit a report on the investigation once it has been completed within a week, not later than Dec 26.

At least 50 children near Gujar Khan in the Rawalpindi district were administered the expired vaccine on Dec 16. When residents learned that the vaccine had expired, parents refused to vaccinate their children.

The campaign was halted immediately, and resumed after an unexpired vaccine was provided.

A letter, written by NHS Secretary Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik and available with Dawn, states that according to reports at least 50 children in Dhoke Budhal village on Chak Beli Khan Road, Rawalpindi, received the expired vaccine.

Inquiry should be completed and report submitted no later than Dec 26, secretary's letter says

He added: 'It has created an anxiety amongst the parents of the young children and had caused serious setback to our efforts for polio.'

The letter, which was addressed to NEOC National Coordinator Dr Rana Safdar, said: 'You are requested to look into the matter and fix the responsibility on the people involved in administration of the vaccine and take action. Your report shall reach the ministry within a week but not later than 26th December.'

When contacted, Dr Safdar said the polio programme has introduced electronic monitoring of the vaccine at federal and provincial levels, but said 'there are issues...