ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The National Assembly (NA) has approved a law, making it mandatory to obtain a polio vaccination certificate from NADRA, besides imposing fine over refusal to take polio vaccine.
The National Assembly has approved the implementation of strict laws to eradicate polio. Refusal to take the polio vaccine will result in a fine of Rs50,000 for the first time and Rs100,000 for the second time. It has been made mandatory for children under the age of 10 to receive all doses of the polio vaccine.
A certificate will not be issued if a parent or guardian deliberately refuses the vaccine. Under the new law, it will be mandatory to obtain a polio vaccination certificate from NADRA. Educational institutions will ask for a polio vaccination certificate from children under the age of 10.
A 5-year national polio eradication strategy will be formulated for Islamabad. Pakistan is still among the two countries affected by the wild polio virus. The federal government will take special measures to protect frontline polio workers. Foolproof security arrangements will be made for polio teams in dangerous areas.
Intimidation, threats or assault of polio workers will be punishable by 7 years in prison and a fine. The federal government will establish a special support fund for frontline polio workers. A bill was passed based on special measures for the rehabilitation of polio victims.
Without a polio vaccination certificate, one will face difficulties in some official matters. Only District and Sessions Judges will hear cases related to polio vaccination.