KARACHI: The federal government has made vaccination mandatory for people travelling abroad as part of measures to strengthen health screening for international passengers, according to Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
The minister made the announcement while inaugurating an International Travelers Vaccination Centre, where passengers will be provided vaccination facilities before travelling overseas.
Speaking to the media, Mustafa Kamal said health and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) counters would also be established at airports to facilitate passengers and verify their vaccination records.
He urged people travelling to and from Pakistan to ensure they receive the required vaccines. He particularly advised Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to carry valid certificates confirming vaccination against meningitis.
The minister said digital certificates covering diseases including influenza, meningitis and polio would be introduced as part of the new system.
He also announced plans to link citizens’ medical records with their national identity card numbers, saying the initiative would help establish a comprehensive digital health record system for Pakistani citizens.
Mustafa Kamal expressed confidence that the digital vaccination and health-record system would continue functioning regardless of changes in the government or administration.
