KARACHI: Parents who do not get their children vaccinated will now face one-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 50,000.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori signed the Sindh Immunization and Epidemics Control Act, 2023, after which the law came into effect.
According to the law, the concerned deputy commissioner (DC) has been given powers to impose penalties under which parents will face a one-month jail term and a Rs. 50,000 fine.
It further said propaganda against vaccination and immunization under the Act will also be punishable with 6 months imprisonment and a fine of one lakh rupees or both.
The Sindh Electronic Immunization Registry will also be set up under which hospitals or institutions will not issue birth certificates without registering vaccinations.
In July this year, the Sindh cabinet approved the “Sindh Immunization and Epidemic Control Act 2023,” to fight against epidemics through comprehensive immunisation and vaccination strategies in the province.
The Sindh Immunisation Act endeavours to enforce a robust immunisation and vaccination strategy against epidemic diseases in the province.
Under this act, parents or guardians of unprotected persons bear the responsibility of bringing them to designated vaccination centres in adherence to the provided schedule. Failure to comply may lead to punitive action as outlined in the Act.
