Vaccine Tender Scandal: Officials Arrested!

The Ministry of National Health Services has decided to issue a new tender for overseas traveller vaccines within a month, dismantling the existing Border Health Services (BHS) setup. This action follows a Prime Minister-ordered inquiry into the BHS, which revealed severe flaws and financial irregularities in a public-private partnership contract.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed the halt of the current vaccination process for pilgrims and job seekers. He also announced the arrest of BHS officials who bypassed ministry oversight to float an unauthorized tender. This move aims to prevent further attempts to defame the ministry.

Pilgrims are now directed to arrange mandatory vaccinations via travel agents until a central procurement committee issues a replacement tender. The inquiry was prompted by allegations that the new contract significantly inflated vaccine costs to approximately Rs4,500 per pilgrim, a sharp increase from the previous Rs1,250 per dose. Seven companies have challenged the bidding process irregularities in the Islamabad High Court.

Official documents indicate BHS officials created parallel committees to bypass federal oversight, a move that violated PPRA rules. The ministry expects a new tender to address past issues, including uncoordinated procurements that led to fake vaccination certificates and embarrassment for the government.