Due to Saudi authorities making the meningitis vaccine mandatory for Umrah pilgrims, a shortage of the vaccine has emerged in Lahore and across Punjab.
Reports indicate that medical stores in Lahore are now selling the vaccine on the black market, leaving Umrah-bound pilgrims in search of doses at both public and private medical facilities. Pilgrims from Lahore and remote districts of Punjab are struggling to find the vaccine, as it is unavailable in the Punjab Health Department’s stock. The vaccine, when available at private medical stores, is being sold at inflated prices.
The Punjab Health Department has suggested that citizens purchase the vaccine from medical stores and have it administered at the Institute of Public Health in Lahore through the Regional DRAP office. It is necessary to receive the vaccine at least ten days before travel.
Citizens have urged the Pakistani government to ensure the free supply of the vaccine at the government level, to make the pilgrimage process easier for Umrah-bound travelers.
