KARACHI: The federal government is facing difficulties in managing vaccination services for people travelling abroad due to a shortage of staff at vaccination centres in Karachi, ARY News reported on Monday, citing sources.
According to sources, the federal government has decided to recruit additional staff for vaccination centres in Karachi. The Border Health Services is expected to hire 100 male and female vaccinators to address the shortage.
Sources in the Ministry of Health said the recruitment would be carried out during the current month, with vaccinators to be hired on a daily-wage basis.
The Border Health Services will conduct walk-in interviews for the positions on September 28, sources said.
The salaries of the vaccinators recruited on a daily-wage basis will be paid by the federal government, according to sources.
The Ministry of Health sources further said that vaccination centres in Karachi will be kept open round the clock to facilitate people travelling abroad.
Read more: NADRA ‘extends’ vaccination card deadline
The federal government made National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) biometric vaccination verification mandatory for people intending to perform Hajj or Umrah.
NADRA, in collaboration with Border Health Services-Pakistan and the Ministry of Health, has introduced a simplified procedure for Pakistani pilgrims to obtain vaccination verification cards in line with vaccination requirements set by the Saudi government.
Requirements for children
Children under 12 years of age are required to undergo MBVS verification for the influenza vaccine only.
Children aged 12 years and above are required to undergo MBVS verification for both influenza and meningitis vaccines.
Deadline extended
The deadline for implementation of the NADRA-integrated vaccination card had reportedly been extended until September 25, 2026, according to sources in Border Health Services.
Sources said an official notification confirming the extension is expected to be issued shortly.
Earlier, instructions indicated that passengers without valid proof of vaccination after September 14, 2026, would not be permitted to travel.
NADRA said the verification system is intended to facilitate vaccination verification and help ensure the health and safety of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
