Pakistan’s health ministry has scrapped a disputed vaccine tender after an inquiry uncovered serious procedural flaws and alleged financial irregularities. The government plans to launch a fresh procurement process within a month. The decision affects meningococcal meningitis and influenza vaccines required by religious pilgrims and overseas job seekers.
Health Ministry Halts Existing Vaccination System
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed that authorities had stopped the current vaccination process under Border Health Services (BHS).
The government also decided to abolish the existing vaccination setup. Meanwhile, officials involved in issuing the unauthorised tender have been arrested, according to the minister.
The inquiry followed allegations that the contract increased vaccination costs to approximately Rs4,500 per pilgrim. Previously, some travellers paid around Rs1,250 per dose under a different arrangement.
Inquiry Finds Procurement Irregularities
A five-member inquiry committee examined the tender’s legal basis, approvals and procurement procedures. Its findings reportedly showed that BHS officials created separate committees without proper federal oversight.
The health ministry had established official procurement and grievance committees in May. However, BHS formed its own committees in June and proceeded with the tender independently.
A ministry official also questioned whether authorities had applied the correct rules for the public-private partnership.
Pilgrims Advised to Arrange Vaccines Through Agents
With the existing system dismantled, pilgrims must arrange mandatory vaccinations through their travel agents until the ministry introduces a replacement tender. Furthermore, seven companies have challenged alleged irregularities in the bidding process before the Islamabad High Court.
Officials said the ministry would advertise the new tender through its central procurement committee. However, the revised process must address the concerns raised during the inquiry.
The decision highlights the importance of transparent procurement and proper oversight of public services. Authorities now face the task of restoring a reliable vaccination system while ensuring travellers can access the required vaccines.
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