On Thursday, Pakistan received a shipment of 37,500 doses of the meningitis vaccine, which arrived just hours before Saudi Arabia suspended its requirement for the vaccine for Umrah pilgrims from around the world.
The shipment, imported by a private pharmaceutical company, was aimed at addressing the recent vaccine shortage following Saudi Arabia’s mandate for Umrah pilgrims on January 7.
According to sources in the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), 16,000 doses have already been dispatched to Punjab. Other provinces, including Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, will receive the vaccine as per their requirements.
The Punjab government prioritized the distribution of the vaccine in Lahore, where Umrah pilgrims faced significant difficulties obtaining it. The vaccine will be supplied to major pharmacies in Lahore at a price of Rs 6,500.
Strict Regulations on Vaccine Distribution
To prevent hoarding and black marketing, the Punjab government has made vaccine sales conditional on proof of travel. Pilgrims must present their passport, Saudi visa, and confirmed airline ticket to purchase the vaccine. Authorities have warned that any attempts to sell the vaccine at inflated prices will not be tolerated.
Government Response to Vaccine Shortage
Following complaints of vaccine unavailability across Punjab, Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique contacted DRAP’s CEO to expedite the resolution of the crisis. He assured that the supply chain would be restored within two days, with full coordination from health officials.
Mandatory Vaccination for Umrah Pilgrims
Despite Saudi Arabia lifting the meningitis vaccine requirement for Umrah pilgrims, those who planned their pilgrimage before the policy change are still required to comply with previous health regulations. According to DRAP, pilgrims must receive the meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before travel and should consult a physician before administration.
