The federal government of Pakistan has suspended the existing mandatory vaccination system for overseas travellers following allegations of procedural violations and financial irregularities in a contract awarded by Border Health Services (BHS). The Ministry of National Health Services is preparing to invite fresh tenders for the procurement of meningococcal meningitis and influenza vaccines within a month.
The decision is expected to affect religious pilgrims and Pakistanis travelling abroad for employment who require specific vaccinations before departure. The government is working to establish a replacement system after concerns emerged over the previous public-private partnership arrangement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the affairs of Border Health Services after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the contract-awarding process. The investigation aims to examine whether the department followed the required procedures when awarding the vaccination contract.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed that the government had suspended the existing vaccination process. He also stated that BHS officers had been arrested over allegations that they issued the tender without obtaining approval from the health ministry.
The development has raised questions about transparency, procurement procedures, and the cost of mandatory vaccinations for people travelling internationally. The government is now seeking to review the arrangement and introduce a new mechanism for providing the required vaccines.
Until the replacement system is established, the ministry has instructed pilgrims to arrange their mandatory vaccinations through their travel agents. This temporary measure is intended to help travellers meet vaccination requirements while the central procurement committee prepares a new tender and determines how the service will operate in the future.
The controversy gained attention after allegations that the new contract raised the vaccination cost to approximately Rs. 4,500 per pilgrim. This compares with an estimated previous cost of around Rs. 1,250 per dose under the earlier arrangement.
The reported difference in prices has intensified concerns about the financial impact on travellers, particularly religious pilgrims who must account for several expenses when preparing for international journeys. However, the allegations and pricing concerns remain matters for the relevant authorities to examine through the inquiry process.
The dispute has also reached the Islamabad High Court, where seven companies have reportedly challenged alleged irregularities in the bidding process. Their petitions add another dimension to the controversy surrounding the contract and the procedures used to award it.
The fresh tender is expected to provide an opportunity for the ministry to review procurement requirements and establish a transparent process for selecting suppliers. The central procurement committee will play an important role in determining the next steps and developing a replacement vaccination arrangement.
For overseas travellers, the immediate priority is to confirm the latest vaccination requirements before departure. Pilgrims and people travelling for employment should consult their travel agents and relevant government authorities to determine which vaccines they need, where they can obtain them, and what documentation is required.
The suspension of the existing process does not necessarily mean that international vaccination requirements have been removed. Travellers should continue to verify the rules applicable to their destination and type of travel, particularly where meningococcal meningitis vaccination is required.
The government’s next decisions will be important for ensuring that mandatory vaccination services remain accessible while addressing concerns about transparency and cost. A clear replacement system could help reduce uncertainty for travellers and restore confidence in the management of overseas vaccination services.
As the inquiry and procurement process move forward, travellers will be watching for official announcements regarding the new tender, vaccination arrangements, and any changes to the existing procedures.