Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered for investigation of Khanewal Measles Outbreak under Peeda Act. This investigation aims to address the alleged negligence and management failures that contributed to the outbreak and the subsequent deaths of several children. The fatalities, which occurred between May 5 and 22, 2024 in Village 3-Kassi, Kabirwala tehsil, Khanewal, were attributed to the officers’ alleged criminal negligence and incompetence.
An initial inquiry revealed that despite warnings of an outbreak weeks before the children’s deaths, no preventative measures were taken. The implicated officers—Dr. Abdul Majeed (former DHA CEO), Dr. Fazalur Rehman Bilal (District Health Officer for preventive services), Dr. Alam Sher (Kabirwala DHO), Dr. Adeel Jabbar (consultant pediatrician), and Muhammad Waqas (vaccinator)—were suspended pending further investigation.
The Health Department’s notification cites Dr. Majeed’s failure to oversee service delivery and enforce SOPs, Dr. Bilal’s lack of a surveillance system for vaccine-preventable diseases, and Dr.Alam Sher’s negligence in vaccination and supervision. Dr.Adeel Jabbar is accused of failing to report measles cases and inadequate patient care, while Vaccinator Waqas is criticized for poor immunization coverage.
Chief Minister MaryamNawaz has ordered an inquiry committee to complete the investigation within 60 days under the Peeda Act.
