ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided to initiate mass vaccination campaign to vaccinate 70 million people by the end of this year.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar chaired two separate NCOC sessions attended by owners of media houses, chambers of commerce and representatives from Pakistan Business Council.
The forum, in light of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on May 31, made the decision to initiate mass vaccination campaign under a “whole of the nation approach” which entailed collaboration with various segments of public and private sectors.
According to a statement, the mass vaccination drive strategy revolved around three cardinals including motivation of public through effective media partnership, capacity building of existing vaccination infrastructure and uninterrupted supply of vaccine including indigenous production which has been commenced with the launching of PakVac by National Institute of Health (NIH).
The forum was told that a target to vaccinate 70 million people by the end of this year was set by the NCOC. However, all federating units have been taken on board to enhance their vaccination capacity for which federal government would provide necessary assistance.
It was also informed that all federating units have also been asked to engage the private sector including business community, media, religious scholars and other departments for close collaboration in the campaign.
The participants extended their whole hearted support to contribute in national mass vaccination campaign steered by the NCOC.
Speaking on the occasion, Asad Umar highlighted that campaign was aimed at reducing the adverse effects of disease to provide a substantial flexibility to business community where they would be able to continue their businesses with minimum restrictions. The participants were assured all out support in vaccinating their employees and families.
Later Asad Umar said in a tweet: “Held special NCOC session today with all major chambers in Pakistan. I want to thank the business leadership for willingness to participate in vaccination drive to help Govt accelerate the vaccination campaign & open up the economy while safeguarding health of the nation.”
According to NCOC figures, Pakistan has 7.953 million doses including 304,862 in the previous 24 hours. More than 3.746 million doses have been partially administered while 2.174 million full does have been provided to far.
