PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has stepped up its vaccination campaign across the province following directives from Provincial Health Minister Mian Khaliq ur Rahman Khattak, with 1,200 people vaccinated at the DHO Office in Peshawar on Friday.

Officials said the move comes amid rising demand for the meningitis vaccine. All district health authorities have been directed to ensure adequate stock, maintain official pricing and prevent irregularities in distribution.

According to the department, most of those vaccinated at the District Health Office (DHO) Peshawar belonged to tribal districts, including Waziristan and Dir. After registration, individuals were administered the meningitis vaccine, while polio vaccination certificates were issued where required.

Monitoring and enforcement

The provincial health minister reiterated that timely and quality vaccination services remain a top priority of the government. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in shortages, overpricing, hoarding or illegal sale of vaccines.

To prevent black marketing, drug inspectors and district administration teams have been mobilized to monitor the supply and distribution of vaccines.

The Health Department said special vaccination centers are fully operational in Peshawar and other districts, with additional facilitation measures introduced to ensure smooth access for the public.