Islamabad, June 2, 2015 - Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, today in the Vaccinators Convention organized by Rawalpindi District, conveyed the Prime Minister’s appreciation to the vaccinators and paid tribute to their services. “Vaccinators are the backbone of the EPI and Polio program and we are certainly proud of them”, expressed PM Polio Focal person while speaking to the vaccinators. Senator Ayesha Raza also distributed certificates of appreciation among all vaccinators and thanked them to lead the program.

First of its kind Vaccinators Convention was organized in Rawalpindi Arts Council by district Rawalpindi management in collaboration with National Emergency operations Centre. More than three hundred vaccinators of polio high risk union councils were invited at the Convention.

The vaccinators convention was jointly presided by Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq and Advisor to Chief Minister on Health, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, while DCO, Rawalpindi, Sajid Zafar Dall and EDO, Health Dr. Nasir Khan also attended.

DCO Rawalpindi while opening the convention appreciated the hard work of frontline workers and attributed the polio free status of Rawalpindi to the dedication of vaccinators and polio teams. “Rawalpindi district is polio free since 2010 and our aim is to keep our district free from the menace of poliovirus, said DCO, Rawalpindi during his address.

A veteran vaccinator Manzoor Pervaiz, during sharing his experience, said that in his entire job of 32 years, it was the first time, any high official has acknowledged our contribution to the cause. Mr. Manzoor Pervaiz raised the real issues of vaccinators and polio teams including delayed payments, maintenance of vehicles and other human issues. “We have lost our colleague due to cardiac arrest in line of his duty but no one has ever recognized him and his family”, expressed Manzoor Pervaiz.

Khawaja Salman Rafique while addressing the vaccinators said that vaccinators are the real force behind the success. Recognizing the efforts, Government of the Punjab has already increased the stipend of the polio teams, Khawaja Salman Rafiq shared. Advisor to Chief Minister, Khawaja Salman Rafique committed to take up the concerns of the vaccinators and immediate steps will be taken to address the genuine issues.

Many vaccinators also asked questions and shared their emotions during open discussion session.