ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services has formed a high-level committee to investigate the alleged sale of meningitis vaccines for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims at nearly double their approved price.
According to the ministry, the vaccine, approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) at Rs1,356, was supplied to the Ministry of Religious Affairs at Rs2,555 per dose.
The committee, headed by the additional secretary for health, will examine vaccine procurement and pricing records from 2022 to 2026 to determine the reasons behind the price difference.
It will also investigate whether DRAP and the relevant officials failed to prevent the sale of vaccines at excessive prices and establish responsibility for any lapses.
The committee has been directed to submit its findings by October 29.
The investigation comes amid allegations of irregularities in the procurement of vaccines for Umrah pilgrims. Three officials of Border Health Services are already in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in connection with the case.
The inquiry is expected to examine procurement procedures, pricing arrangements and the role of relevant authorities in regulating the supply of meningitis vaccines to pilgrims.
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