Sindh introduces fuel card facility for vaccinators


IV Report

KARACHI: The Sindh Health department has launched a fuel card facility for vaccinators serving remote and underprivileged areas, aiming to alleviate payment issues faced by outreach vaccinators.

The initiative, introduced by the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), was made functional by Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho at a ceremony on October 9.

"The initiative for vaccinators is first of its kind in the country, empowering the frontline workers with this support mechanism," said a government handout.

Sindh EPI Project Director Dr Muhammad Naeem highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying, "The provision of motorbikes and scooters to vaccinators was a major step, and now, by providing them with the cards (PSO card), we are further empowering them to carry out their critical field services."

Approximately 2,500 field vaccinators working in outreach across the province will benefit from the performance-based fuel allowance, receiving monthly fuel directly without hassle.

A high official stated that the purpose is to make the POL system more transparent, addressing not only the needs of vaccinators but also empowering them to work in outreaches with the liberty of the new fleet cards.

Health Minister Dr Pechuho emphasised the government's commitment to empowering frontline workers, saying the new card system ensures vaccinators can independently and efficiently carry out immunisation activities across the province.

"The fuel allowance will be performance-based, ensuring that only those vaccinators actively engaged in outreach activities receive regular support," an official added.

The launch ceremony was attended by Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Secretary of Health, and other officials.

 

 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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