Via The Pakistan Observer, a report datelined Larkana, December 23: No monitoring of polio-drive funds utilisation. Excerpt:
Corruption and misuse of funds regarding anti-polio drive in Larkana and other parts of the province have been witnessed as there are reports of big corruption in the funds. According to sources the authorities from the top to bottom Federal and provincial level as well District Health Department, WHO and UNICEF representatives have failed to properly monitor and hold accountability in the funds utilized for proper anti-polio drive.
A large number of staff among Vaccinator and teachers, field workers, area and union council incharge and other medical professionals had various times complained about the honorarium they are not receiving properly.
Further there are no invitations to print and electronic media personnel to cover the national level anti-polio drive and other health and educational activities and important meetings of provincial and federal government for polio, pneumonia and other vaccination and health awareness programmes.
It is worth mentioning here that millions of funds are utilised on the campaign and communication with media and civil society, but ironically, the officials of UNICEF and WHO with heavy funded projects did not bother to invite the print and electronic media personnel to brief them about the coverage of polio drops and other health issues.
