Counterfeit Vaccine Concerns at Islamabad's Polyclinic

In Islamabad, Pakistan, there have been allegations of counterfeit vaccines being given to travelers at the International Vaccination Centre (IVC) in Polyclinic. A hospital spokesperson clarified that the facility does not buy vaccines for travelers. Instead, individuals purchase vaccines from the open market and bring them to the IVC for administration.

The spokesperson explained that around 70 to 80 people visit the IVC daily for international travel vaccination cards. The hospital administers the vaccine and attaches the sticker from the vaccine bottle to the card. The spokesperson emphasized that it is unfair to accuse the hospital of administering counterfeit vaccines.

Despite considering stopping the vaccination service, the hospital decided to continue to avoid inconveniencing travelers. The spokesperson noted that determining the vaccine's authenticity is beyond the hospital's scope, and no adverse reactions have been reported.

The controversy began after reports from the federal drug inspector suggested counterfeit vaccines were being sold in the open market, especially to those traveling to Saudi Arabia. These vaccines were then brought to Polyclinic's IVC for administration.

A senior officer from the Ministry of National Health Services confirmed the issue of counterfeit vaccines in the federal capital. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and federal drug inspectors are responsible for taking action against stores selling counterfeit vaccines. However, Polyclinic staff cannot identify counterfeit vaccines, increasing the risk of them being administered to travelers.

The official highlighted the overlapping responsibilities of Drap, federal drug inspectors, and Polyclinic, complicating accountability in resolving the issue.