ECC approves Rs2.8b for child vaccination

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet has approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination for a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) amounting to Rs2.8 billion in favour of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI). The committee was informed that the FDI remained a key national programme aimed at immunizing over eight million children against vaccine-preventable diseases, and that the grant would support continued pooled procurement of vaccines, syringes, and Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) in coordination with the provinces. The ECC meeting, held at the Finance Division, was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The committee also approved a summary submitted by the Commerce Division regarding amendments to the Import Policy Order (IPO), 2022 for the import of Areca nut (betel nut), a widely consumed commodity with significant commercial importance in the domestic market. The revised framework, including pre-shipment inspection and enhanced regulatory oversight, has been introduced, under approval by the Prime Minister, to ensure compliance with phytosanitary and food safety standards, minimise disputes, and facilitate trade in line with international best practices. The committee further approved a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs 306 million in favour of the Airports Security Force (ASF) under the Defence Division to meet essential obligations, including payments under the Prime Minister's Assistance Package, encashment of Leave Preparation Reserve (LPR), and Travelling and Daily Allowances. The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Federal Education and Professional Training Division for allocation of Rs 2 billion through a Technical Supplementary Grant. The committee noted that the funds had been generated through adjustment within the Public Sector Development Programme.