No leniency for vaccination failures as measles cases rise: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed concern over the country's worsening measles outbreak, warning that legal action will be taken against anyone found negligent in implementing vaccination programs.

Responding to a question from MP Md. Mostafizur Rahman Babul during the National Parliament's budget session on Wednesday, the prime minister said the government is closely monitoring the spread of measles and the progress of immunization efforts across the country.

He emphasized that vaccination activities must be carried out more effectively and systematically, adding that any proven negligence in the program would result in appropriate legal action against those responsible.

The prime minister said the government is regularly reviewing data on measles infections, outbreak trends, and vaccination coverage. Authorities will also assess whether any changes in vaccine procurement procedures have negatively affected immunization activities through technical and data-based evaluations.

According to him, vaccine procurement, storage, and distribution under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) are being conducted in line with international standards and government regulations. The government is treating the containment of measles as a top public health priority.

He further noted that efforts have been intensified to ensure uninterrupted vaccine supplies, strengthen inventory management, expand disease surveillance, and improve rapid outbreak detection and response mechanisms. Public awareness campaigns and coordination with national and international partners have also been enhanced.

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The prime minister added that special nationwide vaccination drives are currently underway to increase measles immunization coverage and protect vulnerable populations from the disease.