Interim govt's measles vaccine 'negligence' under scrutiny: Adviser Zahed
Six more children die from measles, symptoms in 24 hours
Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on information and broadcasting, has said efforts are underway to initiate an investigation into allegations of negligence by the recently ousted interim government in relation to the country's measles vaccination programme.
Speaking at a regular press briefing at the Secretariat, arranged yesterday (5 May) to brief journalists on current government activities, Zahed stressed the importance of a formal probe to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
"An investigation helps in the future so that similar incidents are not repeated. For that reason, I personally believe an investigation should at least take place, and I am also trying to ensure it. I will speak on this matter. If necessary, I will also talk to the Prime Minister," he said.
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Responding to questions on whether the government would formally investigate alleged lapses during the interim government's tenure, particularly in relation to measles vaccination, he said he was already in discussions with the health ministry to initiate a probe.
He added that he expects the government to move forward with an official investigation.
He further noted that beyond assigning blame or pursuing punishment, it is more important to identify where the system failed and address the underlying problems.
The comments come amid a worsening measles situation in the country. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), six children died from measles and measles-like syndrome between 8:00am on Monday and 8am yesterday.
During the same 24-hour period, 1,186 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country, while 154 cases were confirmed as measles through laboratory testing.
DGHS data shows that so far this year, at least 54 children have died from confirmed measles infections, while an additional 259 children have died with symptoms consistent with measles.
Between 15 March and 5 May, a total of 5,726 measles cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
The latest health bulletin further states that 42,979 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide, of which 26,368 patients have recovered and been discharged after treatment.
