ISLAMABAD: Surfacing of the new polio cases could not dampen the courage and resolve of the polio teams who could be seen visiting door-to-door in the federal capital but the non-provision of salaries and lack of incentives is fast becoming a problem for the dedicated anti-polio campaign staff, Pakistan Today has reliably learnt. Another senior polio official said that they are neither provided with umbrellas nor tables at transit points, which are necessary while administering polio drops to the children. He went on to state that an unprecedented practice of paying the polio workers’ salaries in instalments has begun which is not beneficial for the employees. However, according to sources privy to Pakistan Today, polio eradication can only be possible with the dedication of the permanent staff, as presently daily wagers were recruited who were given only a few days training. According to the detail obtained from the Health ministry, a drastic decline has been witnessed in polio cases, as in 2014 there were 306 polio cases, 55 in 2015, 16 in 2016 and only six polio cases reported in 2017.

Source: Pakistan Today January 06, 2018 07:07 UTC