Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said that the measles vaccination campaign has achieved greater success than its target and will continue regularly under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) instead of being discontinued.

He made the remarks on Thursday, at a seminar on the responsibilities of doctors and health workers and public awareness in tackling the measles outbreak held at the National Press Club.

The health minister said civil surgeons, directors, and hospital superintendents across the country have been instructed to continue vaccination activities. “Vaccination programmes would remain operational on all days except during Eid holidays, and officials and employees concerned have also been directed to remain present at their workplaces even on holidays,” he further said.

He added that special initiatives, including public announcements through loudspeakers, are being carried out in some remote areas where there are concerns that vaccination targets may fall behind. “Strict monitoring is also being maintained to bring children under vaccination coverage,” he noted.

The minister further said, “Vitamin A capsules had been procured in advance, and there’s no shortage in vaccine supply.” Addressing rumours about a syringe shortage for tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, he said the matter had been verified and prompt action taken, with around 1.1 million syringes distributed at the district level.

The health minister said, “Irregularities in tenders and outsourcing during the tenure of the previous government had created a vested interest group attempting to destabilise the healthcare sector.” The government is taking steps to ensure the safety and proper working environment of doctors, he added.

He also said that immediately after Eid, 10 armed Ansar personnel and one commander will be deployed at every Upazila Health Complex to ensure full security for doctors, adding that tight security arrangements are also being introduced at district-level hospitals.