The government has decided to hire more staff at vaccination centres to help people travelling abroad, according to reports on Monday.
The purpose of the move to reduce problems faced by travellers in getting vaccines and vaccination certificates.
Vaccination and a valid certificate are important travel requirements for many people going abroad.
This also includes Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. However, a shortage of staff at vaccination centres has led to long waits and other problems.
How many new vaccinators will be hired?
According to Health Ministry sources, 100 male and female vaccinators will be hired through Border Health Services.
The new staff will be hired on a daily wage basis. The federal government will pay their salaries. The hiring process is expected to be completed this month.
Walk-in interviews for the posts will be held on September 28. Selected candidates will then be posted at vaccination centres.
The new staff will help travellers get their vaccines on time. They will also help them receive their vaccination certificates without long delays.
Vaccination centres to remain open 24 hours
Authorities have also decided to keep vaccination centres open around the clock.
The move will allow people travelling abroad to get vaccination services during both day and night.
The decision comes as authorities are also facing issues with the implementation of digital vaccination cards for international travellers.
Earlier, the management of Jinnah International Airport had suggested delaying the implementation of the digital vaccination card system.
The airport administration said limited vaccination facilities were causing difficulties and called for better coordination between the relevant departments.
Officials expect that hiring more vaccinators and keeping centres open 24 hours will reduce waiting times and make the process easier for international travellers.
Mustafa Kamal said that people who are travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah must carry a valid certificate for the meningitis vaccine.
He further said that meeting vaccination requirements is important for both travellers and public health.
