Anti-polio drive in Charsadda postponed as workers seek security

CHARSADDA: The anti-polio drive which was to start in the district on January 2 was again postponed due to the refusal of the lady health workers to take part in it.

Talking to reporters, Lady Health Supervisor Samina said on Wednesday that the health workers had reservation over the security arrangements and had refused to take part in the anti-polio drive. “The health workers would start the vaccination drive after written assurance from the government,” she added.

When contacted, the executive district officer (health) Dr Fazal Akbar said the vaccinators had refused to participate in the campaign due to threats from militants. He said the drive was postponed again, adding it would start once the situation became normal.

The vaccination drive was planned for December 31 but postponed until January 2 when the vaccinators refused to take part in it. However, it could not be started on the new dates after the health workers demanded assurance of foolproof security from the government.

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